Museu de Belles Arts de València

About the museum

The museum opened in 1839, and its origins are linked to the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Carlos, whose statutes King Charles III approved in 1768. Within the academy a first group of works was gathered from donations by masters and students, which was the seed of the present collection.

The seat is the former Colegio de San Pío V, founded by Archbishop Juan Tomás de Rocabertí to train priests. The design by Juan Pérez Castiel dates from 1683, although work continued well into the 18th century. The complex consists of the college, with a square plan around courtyards, and an octagonal church with a large dome of blue glazed tiles, rebuilt after its demolition in 1925. Between 1820 and 1826 it was the seat of the public charity board (Beneficencia), and in 1835 it passed to the State; during the Civil War it served as a military hospital, and afterwards it again housed the museum, which is currently undergoing an extension.

The collection includes one of the most important ensembles of Valencian Gothic painting in the country, with works from the 14th and 15th centuries, and paintings by Ribalta, Ribera, Velázquez, Goya, Pinazo and Sorolla, among other artists. The Patio del Embajador Vich, a Renaissance reconstruction of a 16th-century courtyard, is also a highlight.

Highlights

• Valencian Gothic painting of the 14th and 15th centuries, one of the most important collections in Spain
• Works by Sorolla, Pinazo, Benlliure and Ribalta
• Spanish and European painting: Velázquez, Goya, Murillo, El Greco, Van Dyck and El Bosco
• Patio del Embajador Vich, a Renaissance reconstruction of a 16th-century courtyard
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Colección permanente – Tour of painting from the 14th to the 19th century, with Valencian Gothic painting, works by Ribalta, Goya, Velázquez, Sorolla and Pinazo, and the Patio del Embajador Vich.

Founded

1839

Operated by

Generalitat Valenciana

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main entrance is not accessible; for people with reduced mobility there is a signposted alternative access 36 m away, with a 12 m ramp (9% gradient) and an isolated step of 4.5 cm. The old and new parts of the building have adapted lifts and are connected on the first floor by two ramps. Two usable toilets on the ground floor (access by a 10% ramp). There are no reserved parking spaces next to the museum. (Information from the Valencia City Council; it is advisable to confirm with the museum.)

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers workshops for children and educational activities.

Getting there & parking

The museum is next to the Jardín del Turia, on Calle de San Pío V.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café on the ground floor, according to the accessibility sheet of the Valencia City Council.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit