Museo Canario (Canarian Museum)
Calle del Doctor Verneau 2, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, 35001
Dedicated to the original peoples of the Canary Islands, the Museo Canario is home to the largest collection of ancient artifacts from the entire Canary archipelago. A must-see for visitors curious about life on the islands before the arrival of the Spanish in the early 15th century, the museum displays a fascinating collection of mummies, skeletons, jewelry, and more.
The basics
Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of the Museo Canario’s 11 exhibition rooms to learn how the first inhabitants of the Canary Islands lived from the 1st millennium BC through the 15th century. You’ll explore models of traditional dwellings and villages, see sculptures and figurines thought to have spiritual importance, and view mummies from real funerary sites found on the island. The museum houses a large collection of skulls, bones, and full skeletons, which may not be suitable for small children.
Things to know before you go
- The museum provides a great introduction to the history and culture of the Canary Islands' first residents.
- Admission is free to children under 12, and discounted admission is available for students and seniors.
- Parts of the museum are only accessible by stairs, and the museum exhibits may be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair.
How to get there
The Museo Canario is located in Old Town Las Palmas, also known as Vegueta, near the Santa Ana Cathedral and the Casa de Colón. Vegueta is about 3.2 miles (5 kilometers) southeast of central Las Palmas. Many streets in Vegueta are pedestrian-only, so parking can be difficult. Several bus lines from the harbor and tourist resorts provide service to the area.
When to get there
The museum is open daily, with reduced hours on Saturdays and Sundays. It's a popular tourist attraction and the small exhibition rooms can get crowded, so you may want to visit during off-peak times (such as weekday evenings).
The Mundo Aborigen
If the Museo Canario piques your interest about ancient aboriginal life on the island, a visit to the Mundo Aborigen is a must. Set in the Natural Park of Ayagaure on the southern end of Gran Canaria, the Mundo Aborigen is an outdoor museum featuring reconstructions of ancient Canarian villages with over 100 life-sized figures depicting scenes from daily life.
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