Top Valencia Attractions

Art Museum of Valencia San Pio V

The Art Museum of Valencia San Pio V is also known as the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museo de las Bellas Artes. This is one of the most important museums in Spain, second to the Prado museum in Madrid. This Baroque-style building was built in 1683-1744. It has a large dome with two prominent towers and with Renaissance-terraces inside. This was used to be a theological school in the 17^th century, was  called as the College of San Pio V and turned into a museum in the 1940s. The building has been recently renovated; it now has two museum buildings in it and has three floors for its art galleries. Though this has been done in the Baroque building still the museum galleries only has exhibits of the paintings in the 14^th century, 15^th century and 17^th century and also the Renaissance period. It  has the exhibits of the modern art but from the 19^th century and 20^th century arts only. This is known for its galleries of which speaks of the history of arts in Valencia from the Romans times to the modern times. This has the most complete collections in Spain which showcases the paintings of most of the artists in Valencia from the ancient times such as the works of Nicolau, Alcanyis, Peris, Mateu, Esteve, Ribaltas, Espinosa, El Greco (Spain’s adopted painter from Greece), Murillo, March, Ribera, van Dyck, Bosch, Velazquez and Goya. This also showcases the works from the Valencian School, from the artists like Joanes, Vicente Lopez, Sorolla, Pinazo and also the collections of Pinturicchio, Andrea del Sarto and many more. This also houses the works and sculptures of Mariano Benlliure and some archaeological artifacts that date back from the Iberian period. The triptych of the Passion by Hieronymous Bosch and Velazquez’s self-portrait are some of the famous tourist attractions of the art galleries that you will find in the museum. Most of the artists that have been showcased here are natives of Valencia hardly there are foreign artists that have his art works being exhibited in the museum.

This is one of the places that are being visited by tourists in Valencia because of the painting exhibits that depict the ancient history of arts in Valencia. Artists and painters from all over the world come here to witness the numerous ancient works of the famous Valencian artists. The building itself is an art and a tourist attraction already. Art lovers or not this is really a must place to visit when you are in Valencia.

You can visit the Art Museum of Valencia San Pio V from Tuesdays to Sundays, open from ten o’clock in the morning to eight o’clock in the evening. Admission to the museum is free. This is located on the left of the Plaza of Santa Monica and is on the north of the Turia River which also gives a fantastic view from the museum, the building is also next to the Jardin de los Viveros which is a must visit when you go to the museum.  The famous landmark that you will also remember which is near the museum is the Torres Serranos. The museum also has temporary exhibits which still showcase ancient arts to modern arts; from 14^th century to 19^th century arts and art works from the local artists. This exhibit lasts for two to three hours. The museum has also an art shop, archives section and an art library. The museum has guided tours which you can make reservations before you get to the museum; the tour consists of minimum of seven people in one group.