Museo de Villena (MUVI)

About the museum

The Museo Arqueológico Municipal de Villena opened on 3 November 1957 with the collection of José María Soler. After the discovery of the Tesoro de Villena (Villena Treasure) in 1963, the Ministry made the centre official in 1967 under the name Museo Arqueológico José María Soler. In 2004 it incorporated the ethnographic collection of Jerónimo Ferriz, installed in the former Electro Harinera Villenense.

That building was founded on 19 May 1909 as a flour and electricity factory, operated until 1986 and was then abandoned, until Jerónimo Ferriz bought it to house his collection; it later passed to the town council. On 26 November 2020 the municipal plenary created a new museum institution from the two collections, which the Conselleria de Cultura recognised on 27 April 2021.

The archaeological collection covers the Alto Vinalopó from the Palaeolithic to the 20th century, with sites such as Cabezo Redondo, El Puntal de Salinas and the castle of La Atalaya. The ethnographic collection brings together more than 5,000 objects, mainly farm implements, carts, tools from craft workshops, household furniture, textiles and objects of popular religiosity. The museum is also a centre for interpreting and managing local heritage. Since late August 2026 it has been closed, with no reopening date.

Highlights

• Archaeological route through the Alto Vinalopó, from the Palaeolithic to the 20th century
• Sites of Cabezo Redondo, El Puntal de Salinas and the castle of La Atalaya
• Ferriz ethnographic collection, with more than 5,000 objects
• Baroque works by García Hidalgo on loan from the Prado Museum
• Industrial building of the former Electro Harinera Villenense (1909)

Permanent exhibitions

• Colección arqueológica del Alto Vinalopó – Tour from the Palaeolithic to the 20th century, with sites such as Cabezo Redondo and El Puntal de Salinas.
• Colección etnográfica Jerónimo Ferriz – More than 5,000 objects from rural and craft life, mainly farm implements, carts, furniture and textiles.

Founded

1957

Operated by

Ayuntamiento de Villena

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 18 May (International Museum Day) and 27 September (World Tourism Day).

Tickets are sold at the museum, at the Tourist Office and at the Visitor Reception Centre. Holders of the Villena heritage card (€2 a year for residents), accredited guides and teachers accompanying groups, and official guides on their first visit also enter free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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

According to the website, the entrance and the interior spaces have no architectural barriers; there are adapted toilets, and wheelchairs and walkers are lent on request.

Kids & families

The museum is temporarily closed until further notice, with no reopening date.

Getting there & parking

The museum is temporarily closed until further notice, with no reopening date.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check
• Wi-Fi

Left-luggage service. Free WLAN for visitors. Eating and drinking are not allowed in the rooms, nor is entry with bags larger than 40 × 40 cm or with motorcycle helmets.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Space bookings are requested with a form, through the electronic office of the Villena town council or in writing at the register.

Plan your visit