Musèu dera Val d'Aran

About the museum

The Musèu dera Val d'Aran was founded in 1983 through an agreement between the valley's town councils, the Bishopric of Urgell, the Generalitat de Catalunya and the museum foundation, which continued the work of an ethnological museum created in 1973. Since November 1992 it has depended on the Conselh Generau d'Aran (General Council of Aran), and since 2008 it has been part of the Network of Ethnological Museums of Catalonia. Its aim is to preserve Aranese culture in all its fields.

The main site is the Tor deth Generau Martinhon, a fortified house from the early 17th century on the Carrer Major of Vielha, with an octagonal tower. It was declared a cultural asset of national interest in 1949; its owner, Miquel Farré i Albagés, ceded it in 1974 to house the museum, and after its restoration the museum was installed there in 1984. Besides the tower, the museum manages other spaces in the valley, such as the Çò de Joanchiquet in Vilamós and the church of Sant Joan d'Arties, which is used for temporary exhibitions.

The permanent exhibition presents an overview of the valley's history from prehistory to the present day, with archaeological, artistic and ethnographic objects. The texts are in Aranese, Catalan and Spanish, and the visit can be made at different reading levels, from the images to in-depth material. Among the most notable pieces are Romanesque carvings such as the Crist d'Escunhau, from the 13th century.

Highlights

• History of the Aran Valley from prehistory to today
• Crist d'Escunhau, a Romanesque carving of the 13th century
• Cupboard of the Privileges, which held the valley's Carta Magna (charter)
• Site in the Tor deth Generau Martinhon, a fortified house of the 17th century
• Texts in Aranese, Catalan and Spanish

Permanent exhibition

• Exposición permanente: historia del Valle de Arán – Overview of the valley's history from prehistory to the present, with archaeological, artistic and ethnographic objects and pieces such as the Crist d'Escunhau.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Conselh Generau d'Aran

Admission & discounts

General admission €3 and reduced admission €2; there is also a joint package with other spaces of the museum for €7.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Information point, shop and bookshop.

Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit