The 10 must-visit museums in the city of Murcia

Murcia is full of corners and sites where you can soak in the city's culture and history—museums that will take you on a journey through time and others where you can spend a day full of fun. They are so varied and unique that you won’t tire of visiting more than one in a single day.

So, if you love culture and time travel, take advantage of your trip to immerse yourself in the richness of the Region of Murcia.

Museum of Fine Arts

The "Museo de Bellas Artes de Murcia," known as  MUBAM, houses both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. It is located on the former site of the "Convento de la Trinidad" and has undergone various renovations and modifications. Today, it consists of two distinct spaces: Pabellón Cerdán (for the permanent collection) and Pabellón Contraste (for temporary exhibitions).

You can also end your visit by enjoying some of the most well-known Murcian tapas at one of the nearby bars. Culture, gastronomy, and Murcia all in one day… could there be a better plan?

Archaelogical Museum

The "Museo Arqueológico de Murcia" opened its doors in 1956 and is housed in the "Casa de la Cultura." Initially, it was built as the "Palacio Provincial de Archivos, Bibliotecas y Museos" by architects Luis Moya and José Luis León.

Since its inauguration in 1956, this museum has offered visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the most distinctive aspects of regional archaeology.

Salzillo Museum

The "Museo Salzillo" was established in 1941 by Ministerial Order, becoming the city's second museum institution. It has been declared a Cultural Heritage Site and has grown over time into what it is today.

It exhibits treasures of local culture, such as the "Cofradía de Nuestro Padre Jesús" processional sculptures, which are paraded on Good Friday morning, as well as a nativity scene with 556 figures, also created by the sculptor. Additionally, it is home to one of the most important brotherhoods in the region, the "Cofradía de Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno."

The Cathedral's Museum

The "Museo de la Catedral" occupies the chapter hall and part of the 14th-century cloister of the cathedral of Murcia. Its exhibits are organized thematically, with notable pieces such as a Roman sarcophagus used in 1552 to house the remains of Gil Rodríguez de Junterón, as well as The Betrothal of the Virgin and Saint Jerome the Penitent by Salzillo.

A glass walkway allows visitors to view the archaeological remains beneath the museum, offering insight into the site's architectural evolution over the centuries.

Museum of science and water

If you’re looking for a fun-filled, educational day with children, the "Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua" is the perfect destination.

Its main goal is to spark curiosity and make scientific knowledge accessible in an engaging way for both kids and adults—learning while having fun. But it's also a great place to enjoy a different kind of day out.

Museum of the city

Learning about the history of Murcia has never been easier. The "Museo de la Ciudad" offers a wide range of cultural exhibitions that will turn you into an expert on the city’s past. It features original artifacts, models, and reproductions displayed in chronological order, showcasing the identity of the city and its municipal district.

From time to time, it also hosts book presentations and other activities. You can stay updated on everything through its social media and podcast.

Santa Clara Museum

The Santa Clara Monastery was founded on the site of the Islamic-Mudéjar palace Alcázar Seguir and has been home to the Clarisas nuns since 1365.

The "Museo de Santa Clara" brings together centuries of history, allowing visitors to explore diverse cultures, including Islamic, Gothic, and Baroque. The museum space and the nuns coexist in perfect harmony.

Ramón Gaya Museum

The "Museo Ramón Gaya" is an intimate museum that showcases the key works of the most distinguished Murcian painter of the 20th century. It features sketches, posters, literary pieces, and an anthology of his work, along with pieces by other artists of his generation, such as Pedro Flores and Luis Garay.

It is also a cultural venue for book presentations, temporary exhibitions, and various other events.

University of Murcia's Museum

The "Museo de la Universidad de Murcia" is located in Pavilion No. 4 of the former Cuartel de Artillería Jaime I. Its primary goal is to preserve, study, and exhibit the technical, scientific, artistic, and cultural heritage of the University of Murcia, reflecting its research history.

It houses more than 3,000 pieces in the process of cataloging and features both permanent and temporary exhibition halls. Additionally, it organizes seminars, courses, and conferences, with notable series on Mediterranean history and culture, European cities, and the Arab world.

The River Mills Hydraulic Museum

The "Museo de los Molinos del Río" is one of the largest milling complexes in Europe. It is located alongside the Segura River and near the well-known "Puente de los Peligros." This facility was renovated in 1989 by architect Juan Navarro Baldeweg and transformed into a Hydraulic Museum. It preserves the machinery and components of no fewer than twenty-four mills. Additionally, the "Sala Caballerizas" hosts temporary exhibitions.

What are you waiting for to fall in love with the culture, history, and past of  Murcia? 😍  With all these museums, we make it very easy for you!