Are you planning a trip to Gran Canaria to enjoy the island’s natural sites? Don’t hesitate to spend a few days in Las Palmas to enjoy the capital’s museums. Many are steeped in history, and all are full of surprises. You’ll learn more about the archipelago’s culture, and enjoy it even more, armed with the knowledge you’ve acquired.
Here’s our selection of the best museums in Las Palmas, with our useful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
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The best museums in Las Palmas: tips
While most people come to the Canary Islands to enjoy the beaches and other natural sites, Las Palmas also offers a wide range of museums, and we’re sure you’ll find something to satisfy your curiosity. Before we let you discover them in detail, here are some of our favorites:
- The Casa de Colón Museum is a must-see in Las Palmas, as it tells the story of a decisive page in the history of the Canary Islands. And because we were fascinated by its ceilings.
- The Canario Museum to understand the origins of the archipelago’s inhabitants.
- The CAAM and the La Regenta Art Center because they place the Canaries at the heart of contemporary art.
There’s plenty more to do in Las Palmas. We invite you to take a look at our article on must-do activities during your stay in the capital of the Canary Islands.
1. Casa de Colón
Why visit it? Our review
The Casa de Colón Museum is dedicated to Christopher Columbus and his voyages. Thanks to the richness of its collections (maps, models, works of art, historical documents, navigation instruments), it offers a fascinating insight into the history of the great explorations and their impact. What’s more, the building is a magnificent representation of the Canary Islands’colonial architecture , with its verdant patios, carved stone facades and spectacular ceilings.
Our 3 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 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.
WHERE TO STAY IN Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the old town, surrounded by charming alleyways.
Hotel Cordial Plaza Mayor de Santa Ana – see photos and availability
On the Playa de las Canteras side, a long sandy beach.
Hotel Maresía Canteras Urban – view photos and availability
Near Playa de la Alcaravaneras, a less touristy area.
Hotel Santa Catalina, historic – see photos and availability
See our selection of the best hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
2. Museo Canario
Why visit it? Our review
The Museo Canario houses the world’s largest collection of relics of Guanche culture. The Guanches were the original inhabitants of the Canary Islands archipelago before Spanish colonization. In our view, the museum is the key to understanding this vanished civilization. Human skulls, mummies and everyday objects are among the most important pieces.
Our 3 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. Elder Museum of Science and Technology
Why visit it? Our review
Located near Santa Catalina Park, we liked the Elder Museum for its interactive and varied approach. It’s a real journey into science and technology! We explored the sky, the human body, maritime life and the technological history of the Canaries.
Our 3 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.
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)
Why visit it? Our review
The CAAM is the leading contemporary art museum in the Canary Islands. It coverscontemporary art from the 3 continents on the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll see temporary exhibitions by artists fromAfrica,America andEurope. It offered us a complementary experience to Gran Canaria’s natural and historical attractions.
Our 3 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.
5. Castillo de la Luz
Why visit it? Our review
Located to the north of Las Palmas, the Castillo de la Luz dates back to the 15th century and played an important defensive role. We love its sturdy towers and stone walls. Today, they house a cultural exhibition center and an art foundation. The space was designed by the talented Nieto Sobejano architectural studio in 2014.
Our 3 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.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in the Canaries a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
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6. Poema del Mar (aquarium)
Why visit it? Our review
The Poema del Mar aquarium opened up a spectacular world to us. We discovered species we’d never seen before! It would beone of Europe’s finest aquariums, alongside those in La Rochelle and Barcelona. In any case, it boasts one of the world’s largest saltwater aquatic areas. Almost 4000m3 of water!
Our 3 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.
7. La Regenta Art Center
Why visit it? Our review
The Centro de Arte La Regenta in Las Palmas is a must for lovers ofcontemporary art. It features temporary exhibitions by local and international artists.. During our visit, we saw an exhibition by the famous Spanish photographer Chema Madoz.
Our 3 favorite moments
The La Regenta Art Center was a pleasant surprise during our stay in Las Palmas, as the building, a former tobacco factory, contrasts so sharply with the colonial spirit of the city. We liked it:
- The industrial architectural style of the façade, with its art deco modernist lines
- An interior layout that preserves the building’s original structure
- The exhibition in progress during our visit and the magnificent images by photographer Chema Madoz
Useful tips
- Near Parc Santa Catalina
- if article region: name of town and distance from main towns if outside town
- Duration of the visit: 1 hour
- Full adult rate: free
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm; Saturday, 10am to 2pm.
- Link to the official museum website here.
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
8. Canary Islands Naval Museum
Why visit it? Our review
Located in an unassuming building at the entrance to theArsenal, on the Port of Las Palmas, the Naval Museum is accessed through a small back door, to the left of the main entrance. Here we discovered the rich maritime history of the Canary Islands. The collections are varied. They cover navigation and maritime trade, as well as ocean exploration. We understand the strategic role of the archipelago.
Our 3 favorite moments
The 7 rooms of the Canary Islands Naval Museum bear the names of famous admirals and feature numerous maritime objects. Among them, we liked it:
- Models of 18th-century ships such as the Santa Ana, built in 1784.
- Navigation tools clearly demonstrate the evolution of piloting techniques over the centuries.
- The uniforms, with their various decorations and insignia, are equally beautiful.
Useful tips
- Near the Port of Las Palmas, at the Arsenal
- Tour duration: 30min
- Full adult rate: free
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm
- Identification required (military installations)
- Link to the official museum website here.
9. Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art
Why visit it? Our review
While visiting Santa Ana Cathedral, we had access to the Diocesan Museum. It houses a rich collection ofSacred Art. Paintings, sculptures, silverware and textiles that reflect the history and religious devotion of the Canary Islands. It spreads over 2 floors around the magnificent Patio des Orangers.
Our 3 favorite moments
The museum’s permanent collection includes some stunning pieces that testify to the talent and devotion of local artists, but it was theRenaissance architecture of the building that impressed us most:
- The carved wooden passageways stretching around the Patio de los Naranjos are absolutely magnificent.
- The polychrome mosaic floors are superb. The one in the Salle Capitulaire dates from the 18th century and comes from the famous Manises factory, near Valence.
- The Salle Capitulaire library houses 4,000 books, including 21 manuscripts. They began to be assembled in 1515, at the same time as the cathedral was being built.
Useful tips
- On Plaza Santa Ana
- Access via Santa Ana Cathedral
- Length of visit: 30min to 1h (including visit to the Cathedral)
- Full adult price: €6
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm
- Link to the official museum website here.
To find out more about the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, read our article on Santa Ana Cathedral.
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10. Casa Museo Pérez Galdós
Why visit it? Our review
The museum is housed in the house where Benito Pérez Galdós, the Canary Islands’ most famous writer, was born. He lived there for the first 19 years of his life, before moving to Madrid. Unfortunately, we were unable to visit it. Yet this is a unique opportunity to delve into the world of one of the most eminent names in nineteenth-century Spanish literature.
What you can see:
- A reconstruction of the writer’s office, with furniture, objects, works of art and books that once belonged to him,
- A portrait of Pérez Galdós by the painter Joaquín Sorolla,
- A sculpture of the poet created in his honor, after his death, by sculptor Victorio Macho.
Useful tips
- In the historic district of Las Palmas
- Duration of the visit: 1 hour
- Full adult rate: free
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 1am to 6pm
- Link to the official museum website here.
11. Pueblo Canario
Why visit it? Our review
The Pueblo Canario is an architectural concept located near the Hotel Santa Catalina. It’s a group of traditional houses distributed around a central square. A reconstruction of a typical Canary Island village. We’ve only been here a few times, but there are plenty of activities on offer to help you discover the culture of the Canary Islands.
What you can see
- Typical buildings, stores selling local crafts, a hermitage and a restaurant serving local specialities.
- Folklore shows on Sundays in the central square
- Nestor Museum dedicated to modernist artist Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre
Useful tips
- South of the Hotel Santa Catalina gardens
- Length of visit: as required
- Folklore shows are a delight for the little ones.
- Full adult fare: €2
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Link to the official museum website here.
- Las Palmas’ multi-stop sightseeing bus drops you off and takes you on a panoramic tour of the city’s other wonders. See prices, photos and availability.
12. Museo Nestor
Why visit it? Our review
Located in the Pueblo Canario architectural complex, the Nestor Museum is dedicated to the work of Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre, a renowned Spanish Symbolist painter from the Canary Islands. Unfortunately, we were unable to visit it. Yet it offers over 100 pieces by the artist.
What you can see
- Paintings, drawings and sketches by the artist
- Architectural and theatrical projects
- His major work: El poema del Atlántico
Useful tips
- In the Pueblo Canario
- Duration of the visit: 1 hour
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
- Link to the official museum website here.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
