Institut Valencià d'Art Modern (IVAM)

The Basics

For all things contemporary art in Valencia, head to IVAM on the edge of the city’s Old Town. Opened in 1989, it is Spain’s first modern art gallery. The museum is dedicated to showing paintings, sculptures, and photography from the 20th and 21st centuries. Alongside its permanent collection, IVAM regularly has temporary exhibitions featuring the work of renowned artists such as Fernand Léger. Remains of the city’s wall can be seen in the gallery basement.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Entry to the museum is by paid ticket. On Wednesday afternoons and Sundays, entry is free.

• There's a late-night opening until 9pm on Fridays.

• The museum offers free guided tours of the collection.

• The museum is wheelchair-accessible and has a limited number of wheelchairs available to borrow.

• Large backpacks and suitcases are not permitted inside the museum.

How to Get There

IVAM is located in Valencia’s compact city center, on the edge of the Old Town and close to Turia Gardens. It’s easy to explore the area on foot or by bike—regular bike tours operate in the city taking visitors to the top sights. You can also reach the museum by metro; the closest stop is Turia.

When to Get There

The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday year-round and closed on Mondays and certain public holidays. Visit on Wednesday afternoons or Sunday for free entry. Valencia is on the Mediterranean with a pleasant climate year-round, although July and August can be very warm.

Visit the Hemisfèric IMAX Cinema

Part of Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences complex, the striking Hemisfèric IMAX Cinema building is meant to represent an “eye of wisdom” looking out over the city. The cinema itself is contained within the “eyeball” and shows a program of specially created IMAX movies—exploring space, the oceans, and other natural wonders.