Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers visitors a wide range of options and activities. In addition to leisure and relaxation, you can also enjoy a cultural experience at the Canary Island Museum. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the island through its fascinating permanent and temporary exhibitions. The museum also offers educational activities and guided tours to help you discover the rich cultural heritage of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
What is the history of El Museo Canario?
The Canarian Museum was founded in 1879 thanks to the vision and drive of a group of intellectuals led by Dr Gregorio Chil y Naranjo. This was a milestone in the cultural and scientific development of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The initiative for its creation was based on two fundamental factors: the growing local fascination with “Canary antiquities” in the middle of the 19th century, which led to the collection of traces of aboriginal life and culture, and the advance of anthropological research in France, where several of the founders maintained close scientific relations with the pioneers of the discipline.
The Canarian Museum was conceived from the outset as an institution for the promotion of science, literature and the arts, with a special focus on Canarian culture. Since its inauguration in 1880, the museum has been a showcase for the history and heritage of the Canary Islands, with collections ranging from pre-Hispanic remains to geological, zoological and artistic exhibits. The museum’s first location was in the Town Hall of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, but it soon needed more space to house its growing collection.
The solution came in the form of a generous gift from Dr Chil, who bequeathed his personal home to the museum, along with valuable collections and his library. Although his bequest only came into effect in 1913, the museum was moved to the benefactor’s home in 1923. Despite economic and socio-political difficulties, the Museo Canario established itself as a centre of research and culture in the Canary Islands, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of the region.
What is there to see at El Museo Canario?
Permanent exhibition
The permanent exhibition in the rooms of the Canarian Museum is monographic in nature and is dedicated to the original inhabitants of Gran Canaria, the Canarians. It attempts to show the visitor the way of life of this group of people of Berber origin who inhabited the island from around the turn of the millennium until the 15th century, the date of the Spanish conquest and colonisation.
The exhibition is divided into the following sections:
- The habitat
- Lithic technology
- Economy and natural resources
- The magic-religious world and social organisation
- The production of skins and plant fibres
- Preparation of the body
- Physical anthropology, paleopathology and the burial world
- Ceramic technology
- Aboriginal pottery from Gran Canaria
- “A place to live” exhibition.
Source: https://www.holaislascanarias.com
Temporary exhibitions at the Canarian Museum
In the temporary exhibitions you will find a variety of themes and approaches that complement the permanent exhibition dedicated to the aboriginal population of Gran Canaria. These temporary exhibitions offer you the opportunity to explore different aspects of the culture, history and archaeology of the Canary Islands, as well as contemporary issues relevant to the region. You will discover new perspectives and reflections on Gran Canaria’s cultural heritage and its relevance in today’s context, while enjoying a dynamic and enriching experience.
The Archaeological Fund of Gran Canaria
It is an integral part of the Canarian Museum and houses an extensive collection of material remains from the prehistoric and historic populations of the island, as well as specimens from other islands in the Canary Islands archipelago. Founded in 1879 together with the Museum, this collection continues to grow thanks to private and institutional donations. It includes collections of ceramics, idols, paint pots, plant fibres, animal skins and anthropological remains. In 2021, the Archaeological Collection will become the Archaeological Museum, as part of an agreement with the Gran Canaria Town Hall.
Other collections
In addition to the Gran Canaria Archaeological Fund, the Canarian Museum houses other collections, mainly from the 19th century, which reflect the original vision of the institution to collect objects related to the archaeology, history, natural sciences and art of the Canary Islands. These collections include foreign archaeological artefacts, works of art, scientific specimens and a numismatic collection.
Didactics
The Canarian Museum also offers a wide range of interesting educational activities. These include guided tours, family visits, a 3D experience of the museum and the innovative augmented reality feature “Windows to the Past”. There are also special activities for school groups, the opportunity to be a guide for a day and an easy-to-read guide for easy access to information. Other educational opportunities include the “Museoguagua” programme, which allows visitors to explore history by public transport, the “EMC Inno Lab” space for creative experimentation and activities specially designed for the island’s young people.
Information, opening hours and admission prices of the Museo Canario
The Museo Canario is located in Vegueta, close to the Cathedral and Plaza de Santa Ana, a popular area for exploring the old town. You can get there by public transport or by car, and there are several car parks nearby. The museum is closed on Mondays. General admission costs five euros, with special rates for various groups. Before you visit, check the opening hours and days on the museum’s official website.
A visit to the Canary Islands Museum in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a fascinating adventure through the history and culture of the island. If you are planning to visit Gran Canaria, the Lopesan Hotel Group invites you to discover a world made to measure. Our hotels in Gran Canaria have everything you need to enjoy unforgettable days in this “miniature continent”. Check out the characteristics of our hotels and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences!
