Valencia is a city with a great cultural offer, both ancient and modern. This has been enriched by a new addition: the Hortensia Herrero Art Centre. In this article, I give you information about this museum, tell you if it is worth it taking into account my experience, and give you some advice to make the most of the visit.

What is the Hortensia Herrero Art Centre?

The Hortensia Herrero Art Centre (CAHH) is located in Valencia city and opened its doors in November 2023. It’s housed in the Valeriola Palace, a 17th-century building that underwent extensive renovation for years to become this new museum. You’ll find it at Carrer del Mar, 31, a 10-minute walk from Ayuntamiento Square and 6 minutes from Tetuán Square.

The centre features over a hundred works by more than fifty artists, predominantly from the 21st century, though there’s also a space dedicated to the 20th century. In total, the building spans over 3,500 square metres, divided into 17 exhibition spaces spread across several floors, a garden courtyard, and a basement. You’ll find works in various formats, including paintings of different sizes, sculptures, and digital art.

The Hortensia Herrero Art Centre is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 20:00, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 15:00. General admission costs €10. Reduced admission (for over 65s, individuals with a functional disability of 33% or more, young people aged 13 to 25, and large families) is €5. Children under 12 go free. Guided tours in English are available on Saturdays and they cost €14. Also, Wednesdays from 15:00 to 20:00 you can enter for free, but upon reservation.

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Is it worth visiting the Hortensia Herrero Art Centre?

The anticipation for this new art centre in Valencia was so high that within just a few days, all the free tickets offered for Sundays in 2023 were snapped up. So, if you plan to visit, you’ll likely need to pay for your ticket. This might lead you to wonder if it’s truly worth its price.

After my visit, paying the admission fee, I can confidently say that, in my opinion, it is well worth it. Firstly, I believe the works aren’t exclusively aimed at art experts; even if you lack extensive art knowledge, most pieces are engaging and evoke strong emotions. Additionally, the staff in the rooms are very helpful and can answer your questions; in several rooms, they provided us with extremely useful explanations.

Another reason to visit the Hortensia Herrero Art Centre is the opportunity to see works that haven’t been exhibited elsewhere. Some pieces were specifically commissioned for this centre, conceived and created by renowned artists with the building’s unique spaces in mind.

The centre’s location is also a major draw. You’re visiting an old 17th-century palace with preserved original features. But that’s not all; situated in Valencia’s old town, it also includes an alley from the old Jewish quarter. Furthermore, a fragment of the Roman circus has been preserved within the site—it’s a place steeped in centuries of history!

Tips for your visit

According to the centre’s website, the estimated visit duration is around an hour and a half. Typically, I tend to spend less time at attractions than suggested, but in this case, I found the estimate quite accurate, as many rooms invite you to take your time and immerse yourself. Therefore, I advise against arriving at the last minute, as they are strict about closing times, and you might miss out on seeing parts of the museum.

It’s advisable to buy tickets online in advance. This ensures you have a spot for your preferred day and time, and helps you avoid queues at the ticket office. I also suggest visiting this art centre in Valencia with an open mind, ready to be surprised by the art. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover different styles and learn about contemporary art, all while experiencing a piece of Valencia’s rich history.