Museo Sacro de la Virgen de las Nieves

About the museum

The museum occupies the camarín and several rooms of the Real Santuario Insular de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, the sanctuary of La Palma's patron saint, on a hill above Santa Cruz de La Palma. The old hermitage, documented from 1517, was rebuilt and enlarged in the 17th century. The camarín, the chamber behind the niche of the high altar, was built at the end of that century thanks to alms from the faithful and to the initiative of Juan Pinto de Guisla, founder of the brotherhood of the Virgin's slaves (hermandad de los esclavos). In 1978 a rear section was added to the sanctuary, enlarging the camarín.

The museum project began with the Bajada de la Virgen (the descent of the Virgin) in 2015: first the camarín, the slaves' room and the sacristy were adapted, and in 2020 the sacred art rooms were completed. The museum opened in February 2020 and, after several changes of management, reopened in November 2024 as the museum of the sanctuary itself.

The collection, which survived almost intact despite the 19th-century disentailments (desamortizaciones), brings together five centuries of devotion to the Virgin of Las Nieves: the image's garments and jewels, silverwork and silver brought from America, votive lamps, monstrances, one of the most outstanding collections of ex-votos in Spain, paintings, and a monumental nativity scene (belén) with 18th-century figures.

Highlights

• Camarín of the Virgin with the patron saint's garments and jewels
• Collection of painted, wax and silver ex-votos
• Silverwork and goldsmiths' work from America
• Crowns and mantle from the canonical coronation of 1930
• Monumental nativity scene with 18th-century figures

Permanent exhibitions

• Camarín de la Virgen – The central space of the museum, behind the high altar, displays garments of the image and pieces from its jewel collection.
• Sala de los exvotos – Offerings to the Virgin for favours received: painted panels, portraits, photographs and figures in wax or metal.
• Salas de arte sacro – Liturgical silverwork and goldsmiths' work, processional elements and a monumental nativity scene with 18th-century figures.

Founded

2020

Operated by

Real Santuario Insular de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves

Admission & discounts

Tickets are bought at the museum ticket office or in advance on the sanctuary's website. Discounts and free admission apply only to the museum visit, not to cultural or educational activities.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Educational material adapted for children is available. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and running is not allowed in the church or the museum.

Getting there & parking

The sanctuary is in the hamlet of Las Nieves, on a hill above Santa Cruz de La Palma. On foot, it can be reached from the town via the PR LP 2.2 trail.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit