Discover the cultural and artistic richness of Benidorm through its fascinating museums! In this vibrant tourist destination on the Costa Blanca, the offer goes beyond its iconic beaches and lively nightlife. Immerse yourself in the history, art and thematic diversity that Benidorm’s museums have to offer. From exhibitions that capture the essence of the region to galleries that will transport you to faraway worlds. We invite you to explore the cultural side of this captivating Mediterranean city and join us on a journey that combines sun and sand with a fascination for creativity and history!
4 must-see museums in and around Benidorm
Boca del Calvari Museum of Benidorm
Located in the heart of Benidorm, in the most popular tourist area, the Boca del Calvari Museum stands out as a space dedicated to travelling exhibitions. It stands as a modern building, equipped with all the facilities accessible to those with physical disabilities. This museum, in tune with the seasons, adjusts its opening hours, offering a dynamic experience throughout the year.
Inaugurated in 2015, the Boca del Calvari Museum offers a varied programme that focuses on two areas: contemporary art and municipal history.
Situated on the same site that once housed Benidorm’s first town hall until the mid-1970s, this museum occupies space donated by Gaspar Ortuño Orts in 1916 to establish municipal offices. The transformation was radical in 2012, when the old building was demolished to make way for the current museum.
In its halls, there have been several exhibitions of outstanding contemporary artists, such as Óscar Tusquets, Ferran Freixa, Martin Parr and Rosalía Banet.
L’Hort de Colón in Benidorm
Just 50 metres away are the Boca del Calvari Museum and L’Hort de Colón, making up the city’s museum spaces.
This house museum represents the ancestral residence of the heirs of Vicente Zaragoza Ortuño, a prominent local shipowner and owner of the company La Trasatlántica. It is a house dating from the beginning of the century, made up of two floors, a porch and an old orchard that is now presented as a charming garden. The house can be explored with the assistance of a guide, with access to the lower floor via a ramp, while the upper floor can only be reached by stairs.
The leaders of the merchant navy in Benidorm used to establish their main residences around two central points: Alameda Street and Paseo de la Carretera, formerly known as Marqués de Comillas, where the Town Hall paid homage to the second marquis, owner of the shipping company La Trasatlántica. This company, which had a significant number of Benidormers among its employees, implemented various protective measures, such as the monthly payment of a retirement pension.
If you would like to visit L’Hort de Colon, ask for an appointment at the Historical Heritage Department. It is very common for cultural events and activities to take place here, such as children’s entertainment, dramatised visits, music and performances. Especially in the summer season.
Valor Chocolate Museum in Villajoyosa
Recognised by the Generalitat Valenciana in 2008 as the Valencian Chocolate Museum, the Museo del Chocolate Valor was established in 1998. This space, which in its beginnings was the modest family factory, invites you to immerse yourself in the chocolate-making process and explore the complete history of Chocolates Valor, from its earliest days to the present day, covering the five generations of master chocolatiers who have guided its trajectory.
The route traced by this museum covers the 500 years of history of this precious sweet, from the times when cocoa was ground on stone to the present-day avant-garde. Discover the legend and history of its discovery, the singularities of the cocoa fruit and its cultivation process, as well as all the essential ingredients used to make the exquisite Valor chocolate.
Museum of History and Archaeology of Calpe
The Museum of History and Archaeology of Calpe is located at calle Santísimo Cristo nº 7, in the emblematic “Casa de la Senyoreta”. A stately urban residence dating from the 18th century. With two floors of housing, characterised by its linteled openings, balcony on the vertical of the façade and smaller chamber windows, this building is listed as a protected asset of Calpe. With a useful surface area of 255 m2 of exhibition rooms, the museum houses a varied collection of art.
Dating back to the Bronze Age, the oldest materials in the museum come from ancient sites, including bowls, millstones and sickle teeth. In addition, you can also find pieces from the Iberian Period, such as painted plates, loom weights, fishhooks and amphorae from the Peñón de Ifach.
The museum highlights the importance of the Roman site of Baños de la Reina and the Medieval Pobla de Ifach (two perfect locations to complete your visit), both represented in a special way. The first floor is dedicated to the site of Baños de la Reina, showing elements of daily life, trade and leisure, with a chronology ranging from the 1st century AD to the 6th century AD.
The cambra floor exhibits objects from the Medieval town of Ifach, on loan from the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ). Among the highlights are pieces of a toral arch from the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Ifach, an Islamic amulet with a Kufic inscription and a buckle representing a mythological animal called the “basilisk buckle”.
The exhibition is enriched with information panels, 3D reconstructions of the constructions at both sites and an audiovisual projection that narrates the history and heritage of Calpe.
What do you think of these museums in Benidorm?
Before embarking on your fascinating cultural adventure, we remind you of the importance of checking the opening times and availability of the museums you plan to visit. This small precaution will ensure that you get the most out of your experience, avoiding possible inconveniences and making sure that every moment in the museum is as enriching as you expect it to be.
Museum opening and closing times may vary, and some museums may have specific closing days or special events that affect their availability. By checking this information in advance, you ensure that you plan your visit optimally, allowing you to enjoy every exhibition, artwork and cultural corner of the city without a hitch.
Anticipation is the key to unlocking a smooth museum experience. Many museums offer the option to check their opening hours online, making this process easier before you leave home. Don’t forget this essential step and get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of art and history with the peace of mind of having planned your visit in advance! Enjoy your cultural tour!
