For such a small island Lanzarote has a surprisingly large number of attractions that fall under the general, catchall category of museums.
Some of these follow the conventional route — with all of the usual trimmings, such as exhibits, displays and gift shops.
Others are more eclectic and could be better described as living or working museums — offering insights into specific aspects of island life.
Museum of International Contemporary Art
Castillo San Jose — Arrecife
Small but top-quality collection of modern paintings and sculptures by leading artists housed in a beautifully renovated 18th century castle.
The Castillo was originally built to repel pirates and alleviate poverty on the island in the wake of the major volcanic eruptions of the 1730’s. As a result it became known locally as the Fortress of Hunger.
The Castillo is still filling stomachs today, as it also houses a stylish restaurant, designed by Cesar Manrique.
For more information, please visit our review of the Museum of International Contemporary Art.
- Admission: Free
- Museum Open: 11:00-21:00
- Restaurant Open: 11:00-01:00
- Telephone: +34 928 812 321
Emigration Museum
Castillo Santa Barbara — Teguise
Find out what happened to the Lanzaroteños after the volcanic eruptions bought poverty and hunger to the island.
Fascinating museum with great exhibits housed in the island’s oldest castle. Built as a lookout post in the 16th century to protect Lanzarote’s original capital Teguise from pirate attack, the Castillo also offers incredible panoramic views of the north of the island.
- Admission: 3 Euros
- Open: 10.00-16.00 (closed Sunday)
- Telephone: +34 928 845 001
Ethnographic Museum
Castillo San Gabriel — Arrecife
Meet the Gaunche — the original, aboriginal inhabitants of Lanzarote.
This modest museum exhibits interesting archeological pieces from the island’s pre-Spanish past, such as ancient pottery, jewelry and coins as well as fossils and skeletons.
The Castillo has recently been closed for renovations so check in advance for opening hours and admission fees.
- Telephone: +34 928 811 950
Farming Museum (Museo Al Campesino)
Mozaga / San Bartolomé
Designed by Cesar Manrique as a tribute to the resilience of the island’s farmers this is really more of a restaurant and arts and crafts outlet than a museum.
Nonetheless, visitors can still explore the old renovated farmhouse and enjoy watching local artisans creating traditional craft items.
For more information, please visit our review of the Farming Museum (Museo Al Campesino).
- Admission: Free
- Museum Open: 10.00-18.00 (every day)
- Restaurant Open: 12.00-16.30 (every day)
- Telephone: +34 928 520 136
Palacio Spinola
Beautiful House Museum dating from the 1730’s which offers a rich insight into both the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant and the architecture of the period.
A sympathetic restoration project, overseen by the ubiquitous Cesar Manrique helped restore the building to it’s full glory back in the 1970’s and today it is one of Teguise’s most important monuments.
- Admission: 6 Euros
- Museum Open: 10.00-17.00 (Mon-Fri), 10-16.00pm (Sat & Sun)
- Telephone: +34 928 845 181
LagOmar
Nazaret
Step into the incredible house built for film star Omar Sharif by Cesar Manrique back in the 1970’s.
It boasts the usual Manrique trademarks and is a warren of hidden caves, pools and secret garden spaces.
Legend has it that the actor lost the house during a high stakes game of bridge.
Today, the property is primarily home to an upscale restaurant, but the ambience here, in fairness, usually outshines the food.
A late night drink at the stylish Bar Cueva (Cave Bar) is often a better bet.
There is no admission charge as such, but it is customary to at least buy a quick drink when exploring.
- Admission: Free (but see above)
- Restaurant Open: 12.00-24.00 (Tues-Sat), 12.00-18.00 (Sun)
- La Cueva (Cave Bar): 22.00-03.00 (Thur, Fri, Sat)
- Telephone: +34 928 845 665
Wine Museum — Bodega El Grifo
Masdache
Learn more about the unique method of viniculture on Lanzarote by visiting the Wine Museum, which is housed at El Grifo, the island’s oldest bodega.
The bodega building is a classic example of local architecture, dating back to the 1770’s and the museum houses all sorts of bacchanalian paraphernalia, such as ancient presses and bottling equipment.
- Admission: €3
- Open: 10.30-18.00 (every day)
- Telephone: +34 928 524 951
Canarian Cetacean Museum
Canarian waters are home to 27 different species of whale and dolphin (cetaceans) and these fascinating creatures are celebrated in style at this recently opened museum in the marina of Puerto Calero.
Modern, interactive displays and life-size skeletons allow visitors to experience and learn about the characteristics and lifestyles of these ocean-going mammals.
- Admission: Adults 11 Euros, Children 5 Euros (family tickets available)
- Open: 10.00-18.00 (every day)
- Telephone: +34 928 849 560
Museum El Tanit
This quirky and fascinating ethnographic museum is a collection of every day items of island life from the last 200 odd years, so giving a faithful insight into how real people used to live.
The Museum is housed in the basement bodega of a beautiful 18th century house and also boasts an art gallery and pretty gardens.
- Admission: 3 euros
- Open: 10.00-17.00 (Mon-Fri), 10.00-15.00 (Sat)
- Telephone: +34 928 802 549
Agricultural Museum El Patio
Tiagua
Travel back through time and discover more about the agricultural traditions of Lanzarote. This excellent museum is housed in one of the biggest and best old rural houses on the island — where traditional crops are still cultivated and farm animals roam free.
There is also a small cactus garden, a chapel and a wine museum. Visitors can also buy wine and goat’s cheese produced on the farm.
- Admission: 5 euros
- Open: 10.00-17.00 (Mon-Fri), 10.00-14.30 (Sat)
- Telephone: +34 928 529 134
