Casa-Museo Pérez Galdós

Casa-Museo Pérez Galdós is a 19th-century family home in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria where one of Spain's most important novelists, Benito Pérez Galdós, was born and raised.

The house stands on Calle Cano in the Triana district, right in the historic heart of the city. It was here, on 10 May 1843, that the future author of "Fortunata y Jacinta" and the vast "Episodios Nacionales" series came into the world. Galdós lived in the house until he was 19, when he left for Madrid to study and went on to spend the rest of his life on the mainland. The building itself is a fine example of 19th-century Canarian bourgeois architecture, laid out around two internal courtyards in the traditional island style. It opened to the public as a museum in 1961.

What will you see inside?

The rooms have been arranged to recreate the domestic setting in which the writer grew up, as well as the atmosphere of his later homes in Madrid and Santander. Visitors can see furniture preserved from the period, paintings and other decorative objects distributed across the different rooms. A particular highlight is the collection of musical instruments, alongside a set of family photographs documenting the everyday life of the Pérez Galdós household. The exhibition goes beyond a straightforward literary biography — it also offers a glimpse into the daily life of a well-off Canarian bourgeois family nearly two centuries ago, which makes the visit worthwhile even for those unfamiliar with the writer's novels.

How is the visit organised?

The Casa-Museo runs guided tours every day, starting on the hour. Groups are deliberately kept small — never more than 15 people — so the pace stays relaxed and the guide has room to explain each room and object in detail. It is a good option for travellers who prefer a quieter, more personal museum experience over crowded galleries.

How to get there?

The museum sits in Triana, one of the oldest and most picturesque neighbourhoods of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, known for its narrow streets and colonial-style Canarian architecture. The area is ideal for exploring on foot, with other historic townhouses, shops and cafés nearby, so a visit to the museum pairs naturally with a longer walk around the district.

When to visit?

Because tour groups are capped at 15 people, it's worth allowing some extra time, especially during the busier tourist season in Las Palmas. Morning slots tend to be the quietest time for a guided visit.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Benito Pérez Galdós? One of the leading Spanish novelists of the 19th century, author of the multi-volume "Episodios Nacionales" and novels such as "Fortunata y Jacinta." He was born in this very house in Las Palmas.

Can you visit without a guide? No — visits take the form of daily guided tours that start on the hour, in groups of up to 15 people.

What else is on display besides items related to the writer? Alongside the family's furniture and personal belongings, the house holds a collection of musical instruments and a set of historical photographs.

Where exactly is the house located? On Calle Cano, in the Triana district, in the historic centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.