About this place
Casa-Museu Modernista de Novelda is a historic townhouse on Calle Mayor in Novelda (Alicante), now open to the public as a museum of Art Nouveau interiors and furniture.
Where does this building come from?
The house was commissioned around 1900 by Antonia Navarro Mira as her private residence, and the works were completed in 1903 by Pedro Cerdán, an architect from Murcia associated with the Valencian variant of Art Nouveau (modernismo valenciano). The result blends local building tradition with the ornamental, plant-inspired forms typical of the style along the Costa Blanca. Locals sometimes still refer to the house by its older names, Casa Navarro or Casa de la Pichocha, which appear on older signage and in regional guides.
What is inside the house?
The interior keeps its period decoration largely intact: carved wooden panelling, stained-glass windows, ornate plasterwork, painted ceilings, and original furniture from the early twentieth century. The feature that draws the most attention from visitors is the internal patio, lined with white marble columns, together with the ceremonial staircase leading to the upper floor. The museum display includes household objects, furniture pieces and craft details that illustrate how a well-off family in Novelda would have lived at the turn of the century.
Who runs the museum today?
The building has belonged to Fundación Mediterráneo since 1975, and the foundation is responsible for conserving the interiors and organising public visits. It maintains a permanent display of Art Nouveau furniture and decorative objects inside the house, and occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions related to the period and to local history.
How do you visit the Casa-Museu Modernista?
The museum is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Sunday, visits run as guided tours starting at 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00, each lasting roughly 45 minutes. Keeping visits guided and timed helps manage the flow of people through rooms that are relatively small and full of period furniture, while giving visitors historical context directly from the guide on site.
How much does a ticket cost?
General admission is €6. A reduced rate of €4 applies to visitors over 65 and to students. Because each tour has a limited capacity, it is worth planning the visit ahead of time, especially during peak tourist season, when Novelda draws more visitors interested in the region's Art Nouveau architecture.
Who is this visit for?
The Casa-Museu Modernista suits travellers interested in turn-of-the-century architecture, local history and decorative craftsmanship. Given the compact scale of the building and the short visit time, it pairs well with other stops in Novelda, such as La Mola Castle or the town's baroque and modernist churches nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Casa-Museu Modernista de Novelda? The house was completed in 1903 by architect Pedro Cerdán, from Murcia, commissioned by Antonia Navarro Mira.
Do I need to join a guided tour? Yes, visits are only possible in guided groups, at set times of 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00, from Tuesday to Sunday.
How long does the visit take? A standard guided tour lasts about 45 minutes.
Are there discounted tickets? Yes, visitors over 65 and students pay €4, while the standard ticket costs €6.
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