National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts González Martí

The National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts "González Martí" occupies one of Valencia's most ornate historic buildings, the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas, right in the city centre.

What is inside the museum?

The collection traces more than a thousand years of ceramics, from pieces made during the Islamic period on the Iberian Peninsula through the celebrated tin-glazed pottery workshops of Manises and Paterna, up to twentieth-century pieces, including works by Pablo Picasso. It is considered the most extensive ceramics collection in Spain, spread across dozens of rooms on three floors of the palace.

Beyond pottery and tiles, the museum also displays other "sumptuary arts" — furniture, textiles, embroidery, and traditional Valencian folk costumes once worn for festivals and religious processions. The palace interiors themselves are part of the appeal: several rooms retain period plasterwork and decorated ceilings that give a sense of aristocratic life in eighteenth-century Valencia.

Why is the building itself worth seeing?

The Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas is regarded as one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture in Spain. Its alabaster main façade depicts an allegory of two rivers, the Turia and the Júcar, which gave the building its name, and is topped by a niche holding a figure of the Virgin of the Rosary. Many visitors find the façade itself as memorable as anything on display inside.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The museum sits at Calle del Marqués de Dos Aguas 10, in Valencia's historic core, a short walk from Xàtiva metro station (served by lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9) and from Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The location makes it easy to combine a visit with a stroll through the Ciutat Vella district, close to the Lonja de la Seda silk exchange, the cathedral, and the Mercado Central food market.

When is the best time to visit?

The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday, with morning and afternoon hours, and stays closed on Mondays. Arriving shortly after opening tends to mean quieter galleries. Because the rooms are compact and air-conditioned, the museum also works well as a break from summer heat, slotted between outdoor sightseeing in the old town.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit take? A typical visit lasts 45 to 60 minutes, depending on pace and interest in individual rooms.

Is there an entrance fee? Yes, a ticket is required, usually with reduced rates for students and seniors and free or discounted admission on certain days — it's worth checking current prices before visiting.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with limited mobility? The building is a historic palace with stairs between floors, so accessibility can be limited in some areas.

Is a guided tour worth it? The displays are well labelled, but a guide or audio guide adds useful context about the palace's history and the significance of individual pieces, especially for visitors unfamiliar with Spanish ceramics traditions.