National Ceramics Museum in Valencia

With ceramics being one of the largest industries for artisans in Valencia, it is no surprise that the Ceramics Museum draws many visitors annually. Located in the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, one of Spain’s most well-known Baroque buildings, this museum houses the largest national collection of ceramics. 

Is a visit to the National Ceramics Museum on your list while in Valencia? Below is a guide to why it should be on your list if it’s not currently. 

History of the Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace

Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace has major historical significance in Valencia and it reveals details of the importance of ceramic art in the province. 

Dating back to the 18th century, this museum was founded by Gonzales Marti, a passionate ceramics collector. His donations helped to fill this now-famous museum, filling the beautifully designed original Gothic building, which was reshaped to be Baroque style much later. 

The palace’s ground floor houses temporary exhibitions, allowing newer pieces to make their way in for viewers. The next floors are dedicated to ceramics collections, which include paintings, plates, dishes, and even unique pieces like chairs. 

Ceramics became prevalent in the area, a trade that, for over 7,000 years, was popular. Visitors throughout all regions of Valencia will find local boutiques and trade shops run by those passionate about ceramics, inviting them to learn more about the trade. 

The Collections of Valencia’s National Ceramics Museum

While the majority of the collections at the Ceramics Museum in Valencia highlight Manuel González Martí’s donations, there are many other items viewers can enjoy there. 

Firstly, the museum itself is a work of art! The museum’s building is considered one of the most lavishly decorated buildings in Valencia that should not be missed. Inside, some of the ceramics exhibitions range from ancient Greek treasures to Iberian and Roman pieces.

Over time, the collection has been expanded with pieces from different time periods, including Modernist pieces by local sculptor Benlliure and pieces donated by the famous Pablo Picasso. More recently, textile fragments and paintings from other local artists, such as Ignacio Pinazo, fill the spaces. 

Visitor’s Guide to the Ceramics Museum in Valencia

The Ceramics Museum in Valencia offers free entry on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings and is open every day except for Sunday afternoons and Mondays. With an admission fee of only €3 per visitor, the stunning and accessible facilities make the Ceramics Museum a welcoming place for everyone. Children and elderly are welcome to enter the museum without cost.

Opening hours of Ceramics Museum

Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your visit:

Weekly Schedule:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday:
Morning: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Afternoon: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday and Public Holidays:
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Annual Closures:
January 1
May 1
December 24, 25, 31
Two additional local holidays (varies annually)

Admission Details

Tickets for the museum are priced at €3 per visitor, with group packages available for as low as €1.50 per person. Children and adults over the age of sixty can enter for free.

To secure tickets, you should purchase them at the entrance, as booking directly on the museum’s website is unavailable. However, the official website does list the most accurate schedule to ensure the museum is open during regular operating hours.

Facilities

At Valencia’s Ceramics Museum, visitors should use the main entrance door at Rinconada García Sanchiz. The museum is fully accessible with a lift for those who need additional assistance.

If you don’t use the lift, be prepared to navigate floors connected by stairs. Note that handrails may not be present on both sides of the stairs in all sections, so take extra care. All visitors can access onsite toilets, but no food or beverages are served at the museum.

Location & Map

Valencia Ceramics Museum is located in the Palace of Marqués de dos Aguas, right in the heart of the city’s downtown. When looking for parking, it’s worth noting that the museum itself doesn’t have reserved parking spots. However, you won’t have trouble finding a place to park as the streets surrounding the building offer plenty of space. Keep an eye out for parking spots marked in blue; these indicate that parking is paid.

The museum is just a short walk from these parking spots, about 100 meters from its front door. Located in the bustling Valencia Old Town, the Valencia Ceramics Museum is perfectly positioned among other historic sites, making it an ideal visit while exploring the city.

How to Get to the Ceramics Museum

To get to the Ceramics Museum, public transportation is the easiest way to access this famous site in Valencia. When taking the metro, get off at stops L3 or L5. 

If you prefer the bus as your means of transportation, the following lines will help you get to the museum: 4, 6, 10, 11, 31, 32, 70, 71 and 81. 

The museum is located at Calle Poeta Querol, 2, an easily navigable street in Valencia’s downtown. Located just a twenty-minute drive from Valencia airport, choosing an Uber in Valencia may be the easiest way to get to this historic site when in town.

When choosing a bike tour in Valencia, use the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas landmarks to help find this museum, as it has officially become its headquarters. It is hard to miss the exterior with the museum’s ornate golden archways and uniquely decorated front door.  

Ceramics Museum Valencia Tours

One of the best ways to experience Ceramics Museum Valencia is through a tour. While you could visit this museum alone, a self-guided tour would help ensure that historical details are not left out of your visit.

If choosing a tour on your own is more your speed, consider an audio-guided Historic Valencia tour, with one of the main gems highlighted being the Ceramics Museum. 

For art experts or those eager to delve deeply into the history and artistry of ceramics, Valencia Ceramic Art Tours for Groups are available, focusing more on the art itself.

The museum is also commonly visited by local schools in Valencia to showcase the skilled art behind ceramics to local youth. Art enthusiasts will be fascinated to learn about the many private tour options available to expand their knowledge of ceramics.

Enjoying the Surroundings: Nearby Attractions

A visit to Valencia Old Town is something not to miss when in the city. Many of these sites are walkable and located near each other in Old Town. Yet, there are so many great sites outside Old Town. 

Valencia offers several attractions beyond just the Ceramics Museum that are worth exploring. Located near the museum, guests can enjoy local eateries, parks, and other museums.

Nearby cultural sites to explore include The Silk Museum Valencia, Valencia Oceanografic, and the Museum of Fine Arts. There is no bad time to visit this historic city, but October in Valencia is a month not to miss.

The Silk Museum Valencia

Discover Valencia’s rich three-century-long silk history through a visit to The Silk Museum. Located in the former headquarters of Colegio del Arte Mayor de la Seda, which dates back to the 15th century. 

Visitors can expect to learn about how silk made its way to Valencia and how important this trade is in this Spanish city. 

Valencia Oceanografic

Unique to Valencia is Oceanogràfic, an oceanarium situated on the Turia River. Visitors can view various marine creatures and enjoy the largest aquarium in Europe. 

Over 45,000 living creatures from 500 different species are represented at Valencia Oceanogràfic. It is important to note that transportation is strongly suggested to get to the Ceramics Museum from Valencia Oceanogràfic. 

Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia

The Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia, founded in 1913, houses over 2,000 works of art, many dating from the 14th-17th centuries. Located near the Ceramics Museum, this Baroque building is full of many Valencian paintings featuring local artists, but it also contains works by well-known artists such as Goya and Sarto. 

Valencia Old Town

The Old Town of Valencia is an enchanting experience that is a must when visiting Valencia. Wander this historic area’s sites while enjoying some of the best tapas in Valencia.

Located in the heart of Valencia Old Town, visitors can swing into Ceramics Museum Valencia, learning more about this trade central to the city.