Explore Tradition: Museo de Artesania Tenerife

Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in traditional crafts and art. This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Ibero-America through its extensive collection of handmade crafts, artworks, and textiles.

As an avid art enthusiast, I was impressed by the sheer variety of exhibits on display at the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife. From pottery and woodcarving to weaving and embroidery, there is something for everyone here.

Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace, taking in the intricate details and craftsmanship of each exhibit. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and they are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Overall, I highly recommend a visit to the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife for anyone interested in learning more about the cultural heritage of Ibero-America.

Attractions Tenerife

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History of the Artesania ¹Museum

Founding

I am excited to share the story of the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife, which was founded in 1988 by the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife, Ministerio de Industria y Energía, the Instituto de Cooperación Iberoamericana, and the Comisión del Quinto Centenario.

The museum was established as part of the Comunidad Iberoamericana de la Artesanía, with the aim of preserving and promoting the traditional crafts of Spain and Latin America.

Website: Tenerife Craft Museum

Location

It is housed in the ex-convent de San Benito Abad built in the 17th century and originally run by the Dominican order. The convent was declared a National Monument in 1976, and it was later acquired by the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife, which undertook a major renovation project to convert it into a museum.

If you are driving, there is a parking lot nearby where you can park for a fee. You can also reach the museum by public transportation, with several bus lines stopping nearby.

Architecture

The building itself is a masterpiece of Canarian Baroque architecture, and it is a true reflection of the island’s cultural heritage. The interior of the museum is divided into several galleries, each dedicated to a different craft or region.

The exhibits include a wide range of objects, such as pottery, textiles, wood carvings, and metalwork, all of which are beautifully displayed in custom-made showcases.

The museum’s architecture is also notable for its ornate altarpieces, which were created by the renowned sculptor and gilder Antonio de Orbarán. Orbarán was a native of Tenerife and was one of the most important artists of the 18th century. His work can be seen throughout the museum, and it is a testament to the island’s rich artistic heritage.

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Collections in Artesania Museum

As I explore the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife, I am struck by the incredible diversity of its collections. From traditional crafts to contemporary design, this museum showcases the best of Ibero-American art and craftsmanship.

Let me share with you some of the highlights of this remarkable collection.

Permanent Exhibitions

The permanent exhibitions at the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife provide a comprehensive overview of the arts and crafts of Ibero-America. The collection includes representative examples of all types of craft, both present-day and those that have disappeared, with a particular focus on the craftwork of the Canary Islands.

The museum’s galleries are organized thematically, with each section dedicated to a different type of craft or material.

One of the most impressive sections is the display of Artesanía Iberoamericana, which features a stunning variety of traditional crafts from across the region. From textiles to ceramics, woodwork to metalwork, the collection showcases the incredible skill and creativity of Ibero-American artisans.

Another highlight is the section on Arte Popular en América y Filipinas, which explores the rich cultural heritage of these regions through their traditional crafts.

Temporary Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collection, the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions provide visitors with the opportunity to explore new themes and artists and to discover the latest trends in Ibero-American craft and design.

Recent exhibitions have included showcases of contemporary jewellery, textiles, and ceramics, as well as exhibitions exploring the history and cultural significance of specific crafts.

The museum also hosts regular workshops and events, giving visitors the chance to learn new skills and engage with the museum’s collections in a hands-on way.

Pieces of Interest

While every piece in the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife is worth exploring, there are a few standout works that I find particularly fascinating.

One of these is the collection of Instrumentos Musicales Populares de España y América, which features a range of traditional musical instruments from across the region. From Andean panpipes to Spanish guitars, this collection provides a unique insight into the rich musical heritage of Ibero-America.

Another highlight is the museum’s collection of Alfarería Popular Española, which showcases the incredible diversity of Spanish ceramics. From the colourful majolica of Andalusia to the intricate lustre ware of Valencia, this collection provides a fascinating overview of Spain’s rich ceramic traditions.

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Artesania Museum Visitor Information

As someone who has visited the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife, I can provide you with some helpful information on planning your own visit. Here are some details on hours, admission, guided tours, location, and contact.

Hours and Admission

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays. Admission for adults is €5, while children under 12 can enter for free. There are also discounts available for students, retirees, and groups of 10 or more people.

Guided Tours

If you want to get the most out of your visit, I highly recommend taking a guided tour. The museum offers tours in both Spanish and English, led by knowledgeable guides who can provide more context and insight into the exhibits. The tours are included in the admission price and last about an hour.

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about your visit, you can contact the museum by phone at +34 922 32 81 60 or by email at info@artenerife.com. The museum also has a website where you can find more information, including details on current exhibits and upcoming events.

I hope this information is helpful in planning your visit to the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife.

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Community Involvement of the Artesania Museum

As I explore the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife, I am struck by the museum’s commitment to community involvement. The museum is not just a place to showcase beautiful works of art, but it is also a hub for the local community to come together and celebrate their shared cultural heritage.

Regional Design Awards

One way that the museum fosters community involvement is through the Premios Regionales de Diseño de Artesanía Canaria or the Regional Design Awards for Canarian Crafts. These awards recognize excellence in traditional crafts and design, and they provide a platform for local artisans to showcase their work to a wider audience.

The awards are organized by Artesanía Canaria, a government agency that promotes and supports the development of traditional crafts in the Canary Islands.

The winners of the awards are featured in exhibitions at the Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife, which helps to promote their work and bring attention to the importance of traditional crafts in the region.

Taller Program

Another way that the museum engages with the local community is through its Taller program. Taller means “workshop” in Spanish, and these workshops provide opportunities for visitors to learn about traditional crafts and techniques from local artisans.

The Taller program is organized by the Empresa Insular de Artesanía S.A., a public company that is responsible for promoting and developing traditional crafts in Tenerife. The workshops cover a variety of topics, from pottery and weaving to embroidery and woodcarving.

They are open to people of all ages and skill levels, and they provide a fun and interactive way to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.

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Documentation and Research in Artesania Museum, Tenerife

As I wandered through Museo de Artesanía Iberoamericana de Tenerife, I was struck by its dedication to preserving Iberoamerican crafts. The extensive collection, including photos and written records, provides a rich resource for understanding the diverse crafts and techniques across the region.

This commitment extends to artefacts, some graciously donated by the government of Canarias and private collectors.

The museum’s meticulous documentation not only captures the essence of Ibero-American heritage but also invites visitors to actively engage with a vibrant cultural legacy.

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1. Artesanía means crafts in English ↩︎