The capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz is home to museums with a wide range of themes, revealing the historical, cultural and natural wealth of the Canary Islands. We were intrigued by the diversity of the collections: from archaeological remains to contemporary art and the archipelago’s military history. More modern venues, such as the Auditorium and TEA, add another dimension to the local cultural landscape.
See our selection of the best museums in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with useful photo tips.
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 Santa Cruz: summary + map
Santa Cruz’s museums take you on a journey through different eras and disciplines, skilfully blending historical heritage with contemporary creations. Discover our 3 favorite places below:
- TEA (Tenerife Espace des Arts): this contemporary art center offers innovative temporary exhibitions in a remarkable architectural setting. Sensitive to photography, we loved the current exhibition during our visit.
- Military History Museum: located in the Fuerte de Almeyda, this museum traces the military history of the Canaries through armored vehicles, casemates and fascinating exhibits.
- Tenerife Auditorium: this must-see oceanfront venue in Santa Cruz totally captivated us with its futuristic architecture and remarkable curves! It can be discovered on guided tours.
Our map of the best museums in Santa Cruz will help you find your way around the city:
1. TEA (Tenerife Espace des Arts)
Why visit it? Our review
TEA is a dynamic cultural center that has established itself as an essential reference point in the Canary Islands’ artistic landscape. We were won over by its bold contemporary architecture, which blends harmoniously with the historic district. Inside, you’ll discover temporary exhibitions of contemporary art on a variety of subjects. Between film screenings, creative stagings and live performances, art takes many forms. It also houses a photography center dedicated to the archipelago’s visual heritage, and a library frequented by local students.
Our 3 favorite moments
- Contemporary architecture
- The collection of black and white photographs
- The immersive scenography of the “La Eterna Adolescencia” exhibition
Useful tips
- Located in the city center, opposite the Nuestra Señora de Africa Market
- Tour duration: 1h to 1h30
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility (elevators, smooth floor, large exhibition areas)
- MiniTEA area especially for children – see the 3D map of the site
- Price: free (€4 for cinema screenings)
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 8pm, closed on Mondays
- Cafetería del TEA on site
- Link to the official museum website here
2. Canary Islands Military History Museum
Why visit it? Our review
This museum offers a fascinating insight into the archipelago’s military history. Housed in the Fuerte de Almeyda, a remarkable fortification completed in 1884, it traces the evolution of island defense over the centuries. We were particularly impressed by the many armored vehicles on display in the inner courtyard. We also appreciated the richness of the collection, which includes flags, weapons, military decorations, radios, maps, models and other historical artifacts. Some of the casemates have been converted to accommodate visitors, making the experience all the more immersive!
Our 3 favorite moments
- The series of military vehicles on display in the courtyard
- The casemates, the underground cavities that once served as shelters
- The exhibition dedicated to women in the army
Useful tips
- Located to the north of the city center next to the Rambla de Santa Cruz
- Almeyda” bus stop opposite museum entrance
- Tour duration: 1h to 1h30
- Accessible to the disabled for the most part (ramps, toilets), but some areas are difficult to reach (casemates).
- A number of games and models make the visit even more fun for children.
- Price: free of charge
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 9am – 3pm, weekends and public holidays 10am – 2pm
- Cafetería La Pérgola on site
- Link to the official museum website here
3. MUNA (Museum of Nature and Archaeology)
Why visit it? Our review
Located along the Barranco de Santos, this museum immerses you in the natural sciences and archaeology of the Canary Islands. We were particularly fascinated by its collection of remarkably well-preserved mummies, some of which still show traces of their scalps. You’ll also discover the archipelago’s geological evolution, as well as the local flora and fauna. Although the direction of the visit is not always easy to follow, we appreciated the museum’s interactive approach, with its playful devices and explanatory models.
Our 3 favorite moments
- Remarkably well-preserved mummies
- Volcanic evolution of the Canary Islands
- Fossils, witnesses to a distant era
Useful tips
- Located in the heart of downtown along the Barranco de Santos
- Fundación” streetcar stop (line 1) 2min walk away
- Tour duration: 1h30 to 2h
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility (wheelchair loan, toilets, access ramps)
- Child-friendly, with interactive games, screens and models (strollers available on loan)
- Full adult admission: €5, free for children under 8 (free on Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm to closing time).
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am – 7pm, Sunday and public holidays 10am – 5pm
- Cafetería El Gastro de MUNA on site
- Link to the official museum website here
4. Carnival Museum
Why visit it? Our review
The Carnival Museum is an original venue celebrating one of the island’s most emblematic festivals. Whimsical costumes and cheerful videos transported us to the heart of the celebrations. Immerse yourself in local history and traditions through a fun, interactive scenography. Your children can even try on costumes and masks to slip into the shoes of the event’s participants.
Our 3 favorite moments
- Vintage and artistic festival posters from the past
- The spectacular outfits of the Carnival Queens
- The original staging of the Children’s Queen 2023
Useful tips
- Located west of downtown near Puente Galcerán
- San Sebastián” bus stop 8min walk away
- Tour duration: 30min to 1h
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility (first floor, smooth floor)
- Ideal for children (costumes and small stage show)
- Price: free of charge
- Opening hours: daily 9am – 7pm
- Link to the official museum website here
- Read our full article on the Carnival Museum
Would you be tempted by a guided tour of the city center, including the museum?
5. Tenerife Auditorium Adán Martín
Why visit it? Our review
The Tenerife Auditorium is much more than a concert hall, it’s a true work of architectural art. We were captivated by its futuristic lines, majestically cut out against the ocean. Its unique shape, often compared to a wave or a crescent moon, makes it an emblematic monument of the city. If you don’t have the opportunity to see a show there, opt for a guided tour that reveals what goes on behind the scenes at this major cultural venue. You’ll discover the monument from the inside, and learn more about its history.
Our favorite moments
- Extraordinary architecture seen from the outside
- Ocean views
Useful tips
- Located south of the city center, facing the ocean, near the Parque Marítimo César Manrique.
- Intercambiador” streetcar stop a 7-minute walk away
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility (various entry points)
- Children allowed on guided tours
- Price of guided tours: €5, free for children under 12.
- Guided tour times: Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm (book in advance on +34 922 568 600 or e-mail visitas@auditoriodetenerife.com).
- Alisios Café – Cafetería del Auditorio on site
- Link to the official website here
6. San Cristóbal Castle (underground remains)
Why visit it? Our review
San Cristóbal Castle offers a fascinating insight into Tenerife’s defensive history. We were interested in this small underground museum, which reveals the remains of a fortification built as early as 1575. Located beneath the Plaza de España, you’ll discover fragments of the walls that once protected the city. The visit is brief but rewarding, providing a better understanding of the strategic role played by Santa Cruz in the history of the Canaries. The tour guide is available in 6 languages, in paper and digital versions.
Our favorite moments
- The “El Tigre” cannon, symbol of the Canary Islands’ triumph over the British invaders in 1797.
- The ruins of the ancient fortress
Useful tips
- Located in the heart of the city under the Plaza de España
- Plaza de España” bus stop 1min walk away
- Tour duration: about 30min
- Not accessible to people with reduced mobility (narrow staircase)
- Not particularly suitable for children
- Price: free of charge
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am – 6pm, closed on Sunday
- Link to the official museum website here
Would you be tempted by a private tour of Santa Cruz, including the museum?
7. Museum of Illusion
Why visit it? Our review
This amazing place invites you to explore the mysteries of visual perception. Thanks to optical illusions, you’ll discover a distorted, multi-faceted reality. We recommend that you visit the Musée de l’Illusion with your family or friends. With its original scenography, fantastic staging and playful games, it’s sure to surprise you! You’ll take funny, wacky shots in highly original settings. Enthusiastic, attentive staff make the visit even more rewarding.
Useful tips
- Located in the city center near Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias
- Tour duration: 1h to 1h30
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility (toilets, elevator, 50% discount on admission tickets and free admission for accompanying adult).
- Perfect for a family outing with children
- Full adult price: €17, free for children under 3
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm, weekends 10am – 8pm
- Link to the official museum website here
DISCOVER Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Other cultural sites in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Santa Cruz also boasts a number of other interesting cultural sites, which we’ve picked out for you:
- Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes: houses a collection of works tracing the history of Canarian art, as well as Flemish and Spanish Baroque paintings. It reflects the evolution of local society through art.
- Palmetum: this unique botanical garden overlooking the ocean is a veritable open-air museum. Beyond its inspiring history, we discovered many species of palm trees and tropical plants.
- Espace Culturel El Tanque: this alternative cultural venue is housed in a former oil tank. This conceptual space gives free rein to avant-garde artistic creation.
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Frequently asked questions
Which museums to visit with children in Santa Cruz?
For a successful family outing in Santa Cruz, we particularly recommend :
- Musée de l’Illusion: a must-see for young and old alike, with its interactive installations and surprising illusions. The on-site team makes the visit fun and educational.
- Carnival Museum: your children will love the festive atmosphere and the chance to try on costumes. There’s even a small stage for your own family show!
- TEA: the MiniTEA area is specially dedicated to children. Creative workshops and activities around contemporary art are presented in a fun and accessible way.
Note that some venues offer special family rates and workshops during school vacations.
What museums are worth visiting in the Santa Cruz area?
A few kilometers from Santa Cruz, we’ve spotted 2 museums that are well worth a visit. They are located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, easily accessible by bus from the city.
- Musée de la Science et du Cosmos: ideal for a family outing, this interactive facility offers a fascinating exploration of the universe and scientific phenomena.
- Museum ofHistory and Anthropology: divided into several sites, it offers an overview of the island’s history from the 15th to the 20th century. Among other things, you’ll discover the daily life of the locals in an old traditional home.
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