Museum Of The History Of Tenerife

Museum of the History of Tenerife: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and San Cristóbal de La Laguna Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the Museum of the History of Tenerife (Museo de Historia y Antropología de Tenerife) provides a unique lens into the island’s multifaceted past. Housed in the 16th-century Casa Lercaro, an emblem of Canarian Renaissance architecture, the museum offers a chronological journey from the indigenous Guanche civilization through the Spanish conquest and into modernity. The city’s historic streets and grid plan—an inspiration for many colonial cities in the Americas—form the ideal setting for exploring Tenerife’s evolution as a crossroads of Atlantic trade and culture.

This guide details everything you need to know for your visit: current opening hours, ticket prices, accessibility, educational offerings, and recommendations for exploring nearby historical sites. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Museum of the History of Tenerife is an essential stop for understanding the island’s identity and heritage (Wanderlust Magazine; Canarias Lovers; WhichMuseum).

Why Visit the Museum of the History of Tenerife?
The Museum’s Setting: San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Casa Lercaro: History and Architecture
Exhibitions: Chronological and Thematic Highlights
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Accessibility and Visitor Services
Educational Activities and Guided Tours
Nearby Historical Sites
Travel Tips and FAQs
Conclusion
References

Why Visit the Museum of the History of Tenerife?

The Museum of the History of Tenerife bridges centuries of local history, from the pre-Hispanic era to the present. Its engaging exhibitions, rare artifacts, and immersive setting in Casa Lercaro make it a must-visit for anyone interested in the Canary Islands’ rich heritage. The museum’s central location in La Laguna allows visitors to easily explore other historic sites in one of Spain’s most culturally significant cities (Travel With Kat).

The Museum’s Setting: San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Founded in 1496, La Laguna is renowned for its pioneering grid layout and colonial urban landscape, which influenced cities across Latin America (Wanderlust Magazine). Once Tenerife’s capital, its cobbled streets, grand mansions, and public buildings reflect centuries of prosperity and cultural exchange. The city’s preservation as a historical site provides a living backdrop for the museum (Visiting Tenerife).

Casa Lercaro: History and Architecture

Casa Lercaro, a prime example of Canarian Renaissance architecture, was built for the Genoese Lercaro family in the late 16th century. Its striking features include a central courtyard, carved wooden balconies, and volcanic stone columns. The building’s adaptive reuse as a museum preserves its historical character and showcases a blend of Spanish and indigenous influences (Canarias Lovers). The mansion itself is a highlight, offering visitors an atmospheric experience of Tenerife’s colonial past.

Exhibitions: Chronological and Thematic Highlights

Permanent Collections

The museum’s exhibitions are organized chronologically, guiding visitors from the Guanche era through colonization and into the contemporary period:

Guanche Heritage: Explore artifacts, pottery, and reconstructed dwellings that illuminate the culture and daily life of Tenerife’s original inhabitants (Canarias Across).
Spanish Conquest and Colonial Era: Examine documents, religious artifacts, and early administrative records that detail the profound changes brought by colonization, including the introduction of Christianity and integration into Atlantic trade networks (Canarias Across).
Atlantic Trade and Cultural Exchange: View objects and documents reflecting Tenerife’s role as a stopover for ships between Europe, Africa, and the Americas (Canarias Lovers).
19th–20th Century Modernization: Discover photographs, newspapers, and objects illustrating education, emigration, tourism, and political changes (WhichMuseum).

Thematic and Ethnological Exhibits

Special galleries showcase domestic life, traditional costumes, religious ceremonies, and local festivals—including Carnival and Corpus Christi (welikecanarias.com). The museum also houses the Documentation Center of the Canary Islands and America, offering extensive resources for researchers.

Temporary Exhibitions & Educational Activities

The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and workshops on topics such as winemaking, maritime history, and local crafts, as well as talks and family-friendly activities (capturetheatlas.com; welikecanarias.com).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00–19:00
- Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00–17:00
- Closed: December 24, 25, 31; January 1, 6; Shrove Tuesday (welikecanarias.com)
Tickets:
- Standard adult: €5
- Reduced (students, seniors, disabled): €3
- Children under 12: Free
- Groups (8+ people): €3.50 per person
- Free entry: Fridays and Saturdays from 16:00 until closing (WhichMuseum)
Purchase: At the museum entrance or online via the official website

Accessibility and Visitor Services

Wheelchair Access: Ramps and elevators are available throughout Casa Lercaro.
Facilities: Restrooms (including accessible options), cloakroom, gift shop with books and local crafts.
Languages: Most displays are in Spanish; some English translations available. Audio guides and brochures may be offered in multiple languages (guidetocanaryislands.com).
Photography: Allowed without flash or tripods. Respect signage and preservation rules.

Educational Activities and Guided Tours

Guided Tours: Available in Spanish and, depending on availability, in English or other languages. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Workshops and School Visits: Educational programs and interactive activities are offered for all ages.
Self-Guided Visits: Brochures and interactive displays support independent exploration.

Nearby Historical Sites

Enhance your visit by exploring other La Laguna attractions, all within easy walking distance:

Cathedral of La Laguna: An impressive Catholic landmark (tenerifecanaryislands.com).
Plaza del Adelantado: A lively historic square.
University of La Laguna: One of Spain’s oldest universities.
Historic streets and courtyards: Discover colonial mansions, boutiques, and bustling markets.

You may also visit the museum’s satellite sites, such as Casa de Carta (Valle de Guerra) and the Castillo de San Cristóbal Interpretation Center (Santa Cruz), focusing on rural and military history (gotenerife.net).

Travel Tips and FAQs

Travel Tips

Plan Ahead: Check for special exhibitions or closures before your visit.
Online Tickets: Book ahead online to skip lines.
Combine Visits: Pair the museum with a walking tour of La Laguna’s historic center.
Public Transport: Use tram or bus as parking is limited in the old town.
Photography: Bring your camera (no flash/tripods).
Local Cuisine: Try Canarian dishes like “papas arrugadas” at nearby restaurants (tenerifecanaryislands.com).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the Museum of the History of Tenerife’s visiting hours?
A: Monday to Saturday 9:00–19:00, Sundays/holidays 10:00–17:00. Closed selected holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Standard €5; reduced €3; children under 12 free; group rates and free entry periods available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages. Book in advance.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, without flash or tripods.

Conclusion

The Museum of the History of Tenerife, set in the magnificent Casa Lercaro, is a cornerstone of the island’s cultural landscape. Its comprehensive exhibitions, educational activities, and preserved architecture offer a window into the complex history of Tenerife and the Canary Islands. Combined with La Laguna’s rich array of historical sites, a visit here promises a memorable and enriching experience. Plan ahead, immerse yourself in centuries of heritage, and discover why this museum is indispensable to any Tenerife itinerary.

For the latest updates, guided tours, and cultural news, download the Audiala app and follow Tenerife’s official cultural channels.