L’ETNO. Museu Valencià d’Etnologia
There is no doubt that Valencia is full of amazing museums. The government is to be lauded with their support of everything from silk to ceramics to rice to classical and modern art. The variety is amazing and stretches from art to history to crafts to business. Most of the museums offer amazing permanent collections that are almost always coupled with special offerings and visiting exhibitions.
One of our favorites is the museum of ethnology, L’ETNO.
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The museum was launched in 1982 with the goal of collecting and displaying artifacts that are important to both popular and traditional Valencian culture. There is every reason that L’ETNO was selected as the 2023 European Museum of the Year, a recognition sponsored by the European museum Forum and the Council of Europe.
The museum maintain a huge collection and is housed in the Centre Cultural la Beneficència alongside the Museu de Prehistòria de Valéncia. It can be a bit confusing when you enter. However, it’s pretty simple with the prehistoric museum to the right and L’ETNO to the left. Two museums for the price of one but the best part is that both are free.
You could do both museums in a day but if you are planing to, a long lunch and siesta in between would be smart to plan for. Both are vast with incredibly interesting installations. The choice between contemporary Valencia and prehistoric Valencia is a difficult one but either way you are bound for a great experience.
Turning to the left and visiting the permanent exhibit at L’ETNO is a great place to start.
Titled “It’s not easy to be Valencian” the exhibit is comprised of three segments – The City, The Irrigated Farmland and the Marshlands” and Dryland and the Mountain”. It is challenging to know where to start. The exhibit spans two floors and entering on the upper floor with The City leads you backward through time and culture.
The exhibits and artifacts in The City are mostly of the last century or so and span everything from appliances to toys to cars to mercantile to fashion. It is a delicious cacophony of color, texture, lights and sound. There are familiar sights and sounds for anyone born mid-century but newer items and those that are now true antiques offering a picture of day to day life in the city of Valencia.
Transitioning to The Irrigated Farmland and the Marshlands section is dramatic with a look at the agricultural initiatives that have shaped the culture of Valencia through the centuries. This includes details on farming and farming life and an exceptional look at paella.
A beautiful set of sculpted stairs leads to the next floor and the section on the Dryland and the Mountain detailing the challenges of life in the harsher environment.
In addition to the permanent exhibit the museum offers amazing temporary and micro-exhibits throughout the year all detailing the grace and stature of Valencia and its people.
L’ETNO. Museu Valencià d’Etnologia
Diputació de València
Carrer Corona, 36. 46003 València. España
Contact: 963 883 565 / [email protected]