Gran Canaria is best known for its sandy beaches, dunes and charming villages. But if you want to find out a little more about its geological, archaeological, artistic and cultural history, we recommend adding a few museum visits to the mix.
In this article, we share our favorites of Gran Canaria’s best museums, to help you choose according to your interests.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
Gran Canaria’s best museums
In Gran Canaria, most museums are located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with a few exceptions.
If you only need to do 4, we recommend:
- Casa de Colon for its architecture and link with Christoph Columbus
- Museo Canario for the history of the island’s first inhabitants
- Casa Museo Antonio Padron
- One of the island’s archaeological sites
Below are our favorites. But we’ve listed a few more at the end of the article, so you can find them to suit your interests.
1. Casa de Colón (Las Palmas)
Why visit it? Our review
The Casa de Colón Museum is dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his expeditions. Its rich collections, including maps, models, works of art, historical documents and navigational instruments, offer a captivating look at the history of the great explorations and their influence. And what we liked even more was the building itself. It is a superb example of colonial architecture in the Canary Islands, with its verdant patios, finely carved stone facades and impressive ceilings.
Our favorite moments
The Casa de Colón Museum is located in the historic district of Las Palmas. It’s a collection of mansions built between the 18th and 20th centuries, where the Governor’s Palace once stood. Columbus is thought to have stayed there. We liked it:
- Mudejar-style patios with carved woodwork. They were preserved when the museum was created.
- The ceilings are remarkable. It’s a tangle of carved and/or painted wooden beams, typical of 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture.
- Maps of Christopher Columbus’ voyages. They provide a better understanding of the 4 voyages made by the great navigator to conquer America.
Useful tips
- In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- In the historic district of Vegueta
- 1min walk from Santa Ana Cathedral
- Tour duration: 30min to 1h
- Suitable for children, even if there are no dedicated activities
- Full adult price: €4
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sundays and public holidays 10am to 3pm. Closed January 1 and 6, May 1, December 24, 25 and 31
- Link to the official museum website here.
We have devoted an entire article to the Casa de Colón Museum.
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2. Museo Canario (Las Palmas)
Why visit it? Our review
The Museo Canario boasts the world’s largest collection of relics from the Guanche culture, the first inhabitants of the Canary Islands before Spanish colonization. We consider this museum essential to understanding this vanished civilization. Among the most remarkable pieces are human skulls, mummies and various everyday objects.
Our favorite moments
- The room where the skulls are displayed. They are very impressive and, above all, very numerous.
- The Guanche mummies lying in display cases are also particularly striking.
- We really enjoyed the collection of ceramics and the explanation of the techniques and materials used at the time.
Useful tips
- In the old town, in the Vegueta district
- Close to Santa Ana Cathedral and Casa de Colón museum
- Tour duration: 1 to 2 hours
- We didn’t see any specific itineraries or events for young visitors. Nevertheless, the museum regularly organizes family visits. Consult the calendar of activities here.
- Full adult price: €5
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 10am to 2pm.
- Link to the official museum website here.
We have devoted an entire article to the Canario Museum.
3. Casa Museo Antonio Padron (Galdar)
Why visit it? Our review
Discover the life and work of Canary Island artist Antonio Padrón. The museum, housed in his former studio, displays over a hundred of his colorful, original paintings, many of them inspired by indigenous Guanche motifs. We found them very inspiring.
Visitors can explore Padrón’s creative space, with all its art materials. The museum also highlights the wider indigenous art movement, making it an important cultural site.
Our 3 favorite moments
- the vibrancy of his work and its evolution in the different rooms
- quotes from the artist written in the museum
- the building’s architecture and workshop
Useful tips
- In the heart of the town of Galdar (north-east Gran Canaria)
- Visit duration: less than 1 hour
- Full adult price: €6
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm, closed on Mondays.
- Link to the official museum website here.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Gran Canaria
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
4. CAAM Centre Atlantique d’Art Moderne (Las Palmas)
Why visit it? Our review
The Museum of Contemporary Art (CAAM) is a must-see in the Canary Islands. It explores contemporary art from the three continents bordering the Atlantic Ocean, presenting temporary exhibitions by artists from Africa, America and Europe. This museum offered us an enriching experience that complemented Gran Canaria’s natural and historical attractions.
Our favorite moments
- The colonial facades of the museum, which was created in several historic buildings dating back to the 18th century.
- Ultra-modern interior design under a huge glass roof.
- Temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists of tricontinental origin.
Useful tips
- In the old town, in the Vegueta district
- Close to Santa Ana Cathedral and Casa de Colón Museum
- Duration of the visit: 1 hour
- Full adult rate: free
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 9pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm. Closed on Mondays, public holidays, December 24th and 31st.
- Link to the official museum website here.
We have devoted an entire article to the CAAM Museum.
FUN in Gran Canaria:activities
Dolphin watching
Buggy / Quad
Snorkeling
Kayaking in the Mogan caves
But also: Canyoning, Horse riding, Via Ferrata, Coasteering… See all options
5. Castillo de la Luz (Las Palmas)
Why visit it? Our review
Located to the north of Las Palmas, the Castillo de la Luz, built in the 15th century, played a major defensive role. We particularly appreciated its imposing towers and solid stone walls. Today, it houses a cultural center dedicated to exhibitions and an art foundation, a space redesigned in 2014 by the talented Nieto Sobejano architectural studio.
Our favorite moments
The cultural area is dedicated to Canary Island sculptor Martín Chirino. The exhibition in progress at the time of our visit was captivating. But we also liked it:
- The massive walls and towers you see as you approach the fortress.
- The interior design beautifully blends the rough stone of the fortress with the sleek modern lines recently added.
- The loopholes open onto the blue of the sea.
Useful tips
- North of Las Palmas
- 15min drive from downtown
- Visit duration: less than 1 hour
- Full adult price: €4
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 2pm
- Link to the official museum website here.
If you’d like to find out more about the Castillo de la Luz, read our dedicated article.
6. Poema del Mar (aquarium)
Why visit it? Our review
Considered one of Europe’s finest aquariums (alongside those in La Rochelle and Barcelona), it houses one of the world’s largest saltwater basins, containing almost 4,000 m³ of water!
Our favorite moments
There are many wonders to admire at the aquarium. We particularly liked it:
- The huge aquariums, a veritable plunge into the poetic world of the sea.
- The colorful little frogs of South America and the slow dance of scorpion fish wings.
- The aquarium’s vocation to preserve vulnerable local species.
Useful tips
- In Las Palmas, in the north-east
- 10 minutes by car from the historic center of Vegueta
- Length of visit: at least 2 hours
- An ideal place for a family outing.
- Full adult price: €27
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Link to the official museum website here.
>> Save time, book your ticket now and avoid queuing!
To see even more images, read our article on thePoema del Mar Aquarium.
WHERE TO STAY IN Gran Canaria
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
- Where to stay in Gran Canaria
- Our favorite: Marina Suites Hotel
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels (coming soon)
- Best all-inclusive hotels (coming soon)
- Best hotels for families
Select by city:
7. Elder Museum of Science and Technology
Why visit it? Our review
Let’s move on a little. Located close to Santa Catalina Park, the Elder Museum won us over with its interactive and diversified approach. This museum is a true plunge into the world of science and technology! We explored the sky, the human body, maritime life and the technological history of the Canaries.
Our favorite moments
Among the many activities on offer at the Elder Museum, we loved it:
- The film session that explains how to shoot a 3D film on a green screen.
- The Robocoaster attraction for a robot ride.
- The fighter plane on display at the entrance. We can climb into the cockpit.
Useful tips
- Near Parc Santa Catalina
- 10 minutes by car from the historic center
- Tour duration: 1 to 2 hours
- The museum is ideal for family fun. The course is suitable for younger children.
- Full adult price: €8
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm.
- Link to the official museum website here
Don’t miss our article on the Elder Museum.
8. Mundo Aborigen (Maspalomas, children)
Why visit it? Our review
And if you want a more playful experience for the kids, the Mundo Aborigen park is an open-air museum featuring role-playing and replicas of the houses in which the Guanches lived. This makes it much easier to get an idea of what the villages looked like.
We also loved the views over the valley from the site.
Our favorite moments
- Scenes of different members of a community with daily tasks
- Views over the valley
- Ease of understanding for children
Practical advice
- South of Gran Canaria
- Currently closed, but we hope it will reopen!
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Other museums
Other museums in Las Palmas
The capital is the city with the most museums. In addition to those listed above, you’ll find..:
- La Regenta Art Center
- Canary Islands Naval Museum
- Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art
- Casa Museo Pérez Galdós
- Museo Nestor
See our article on the best museums in Las Palmas.
And in other Gran Canaria towns
Other small museums can be found in the towns and villages of Gran Canaria:
- Aguïmes History Museum
- Guayadeque Museum (Archaeological interpretation center)
- Museo de la Zafra on agriculture and tomatoes
- The Leon Y Castillo House-Museum in Telde (important figures in the region)
- The House Museum Tomas Morales (poet)
- Tejeda Museum of History and Traditions
And archaeological sites: Cueva Pintada and more
Gran Canaria also offers a number of archaeological sites, some with small museums alongside:
- Cenobio de Valeron with its seed caves
- Maipés with the Agaete valley in the background
- Canada de Los Gatos for a good look at the village’s structure
- The Fortaleza de Ansite for its surprising location
- Cueva Pintada with its remains of paintings
- Risco Caído and its reconstruction of a unique cave
- …
See our article on all archaeological sites.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Gran Canaria
- Best of
Best things to do in Gran Canaria
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful towns and villages
Most beautiful beaches
Best natural pools
Archaeological sites
Best museums
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Secret places, off the beaten track
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Gran Canaria
When to go?
How to get around
How to rent a car in Gran Canaria
Driving tips
Best excursions (coming soon)
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
- The must-dos
Las Palmas and its historic center
Dolphin watching in Gran Canaria (coming soon)
Maspalomas dunes
Puerto de Mogan (Little Venice)
Agaete and its natural pools
The magnificent town of Agüimes
