Tenerife is not only a delightful and relaxing playground; it is also a haven for those who love history, art and other cultural pursuits. The people of the island are proud of their heritage and the development of their island, honoring those who came before them.
The Municipal Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Cruz is a treasure trove of artwork as far back as the 16th century. There are ten permanent displays of paintings and sculptures to browse through as well as many pieces of Madrid’s Prado Museum’s collection. You can even see the personal collection of porcelain and furniture that belonged to the Marques of Villasegura plus coins and weapons donated by Arturo Lopez de Vergara.
While you are in Santa Cruz you should visit the Tenerife Island Center of Photography. Here you can see all types of photography from the ordinary depiction of everyday life to surreal takes on the beauty of nature. You’ll find the experience of seeing the island through the eyes of another both enlightening and astounding.
If you are planning to visit Candelaria you should stop by the Museum of Sacred Art that is housed in a Dominican convent built in the 1700’s. The chapel there has religious art and objects that communicate the history of the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of Candelaria, as well as the peoples’ dedication to her. Be sure to take time to appreciate the beautiful architecture as well!
There are also science museums to explore! The Museum of Science and the Cosmos in La Laguna will be a pleasant surprise to those who think science museums are a bit boring. The museum performs thousands of lab experiments every year and has an impressive planetarium show. You will probably look around at one point and be astounded at how long you’ve been there!
In Santa Cruz you’ll find the Museum of Nature and Man, an Artistic Historical Monument since 1983. You can see displays of flora and fauna, marvel at pre-Columbian art, look at archaeological artifacts and Guanche mummies and much more. If you prefer the natural sciences you’ll want to visit the Island Museum of Natural Sciences in Garachico. This museum, housed in a convent, is a special treat for those who love to see the fish, birds, insects and other wildlife of an area up close and personal.
Guimar is home to the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Agache, an impressive collection of the finds of past excavations that is small but well worth the visit. You will be able to see human remains, primitive as well as more modern tools and ceramics and utensils used by past inhabitants. Another stop should be the Archaeological Museum of Puerto de la Cruz in the town of the same name. Here you will see mummified remains of the Guanches, the first inhabitants of Tenerife. It also includes displays of plants, animals and ceramics; some of the ceramic items and shards date back thousands of years to the original Guanche civilization.