MUNA Museum of Nature & Archaeology
Discover Tenerife's ancient past and natural wonders, featuring world-class Guanche artifacts and diverse ecosystems.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free entry after 4 PM
MUNA Museum of Nature & Archaeology
Best Time
Free entry after 4 PM
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Tenerife's ancient past and natural wonders, featuring world-class Guanche artifacts and diverse ecosystems.
"Fantastic, modern exhibition on the Canary Islands' history, clearly divided into natural and archeological parts."
🎯 Free Entry Fridays & Saturdays
Visit after 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays for free admission. Arrive early to beat the rush! :ticket:
🦋 Don't Miss the Butterfly Drawers
Hidden gems! Make sure to explore the drawers, especially those showcasing beautifully colored butterflies. :butterfly:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Indigenous Guanche Culture
Archaeology Section
Discover the world's best collection of artifacts from the native Guanche people, including mummies.
Canary Islands Natural History
Natural History Section
Explore exhibits on local fauna, flora, fossils, and stunning insect collections, including vibrant butterflies.
Fossil and Mineral Displays
Natural History Section
Marvel at interesting rocks and fossils that tell the story of the islands' geological past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit for Free Entry
Navigating the Layout
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry Fridays & Saturdays
Visit after 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays for free admission. Arrive early to beat the rush! :ticket:
🦋 Don't Miss the Butterfly Drawers
Hidden gems! Make sure to explore the drawers, especially those showcasing beautifully colored butterflies. :butterfly:
🗺️ Navigate with Care
The museum layout can be confusing. Take your time and follow signs to avoid missing exhibits. :world_map:
🗣️ Language Barrier
Much of the information is in Spanish. Consider a translation app if you don't speak the language. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry Fridays & Saturdays
Visit after 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays for free admission. Arrive early to beat the rush! :ticket:
🦋 Don't Miss the Butterfly Drawers
Hidden gems! Make sure to explore the drawers, especially those showcasing beautifully colored butterflies. :butterfly:
🗺️ Navigate with Care
The museum layout can be confusing. Take your time and follow signs to avoid missing exhibits. :world_map:
🗣️ Language Barrier
Much of the information is in Spanish. Consider a translation app if you don't speak the language. :iphone:
⏳ Allocate Your Time
Around 2 hours is usually sufficient to see most exhibits without feeling rushed. :hourglass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The MUNA Museum offers a valuable collection, particularly its world-class Guanche artifacts and natural history exhibits. While some find the layout confusing and the lack of interactivity disappointing, the free entry on Friday and Saturday afternoons makes it an accessible and worthwhile visit for history and nature enthusiasts.
"Fantastic, modern exhibition on the Canary Islands' history, clearly divided into natural and archeological parts. The world’s best collection of indigenous Canarian cultural artifacts. It slightly lacked more information about the destruction vs. assimilation of these people. Tons of interesting facts, while the overall museum is still relatively compact, not a mammoth that requires a half-day visit."
Krzysztof Nosek
"There are not many museums in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This is one of the biggest. Quite interesting. You can see naturalized animals and birds, a beautiful collection of insects (many extremely beautifully colored butterflies), fossils, interesting rocks, archeological discoveries made on the island and even some mummies of the ancient inhabitants of these places.
I didn't like the structure of the museum building, it's quite difficult to follow a path through the exhibitions without missing something or without passing the same place twice."
Paul Ciprian
"If you're only in Tenerife for vacation, don't go there. Even if you have seen everything, it still feels like a waste of time. Besides, the majority of the information there is displayed only in Spanish even if it seems that only the tourists visit it.
The museum feels forgotten and outdated, full of light-bleached pictures, old non-working TVs and walls of text. Moreover, in places the text has low contrast which makes it hard to read.
The building has 3 floors. We spend around 2 hours there and saw most of the expositions. There is very little interactivity so going through the museum can feel quite boring and tedious. It's a shame because there are many interesting expositions that with a little update and more cohesive layout could make this museum a lot more enjoyable.
Only time to go there is from 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays when the visits are FREE. Don't try going earlier because they'll make you wait until it's 16:00."
Simona Vagnoriūtė
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The MUNA Museum is located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. You can reach it by public bus or taxi from most areas of the island. If driving, there is usually parking available nearby, though it can be limited.
Yes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife has a good public bus network, and many routes stop near the museum. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient options.
From Adeje, you can take a bus to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The journey might take around 1-1.5 hours. Alternatively, a taxi or rental car offers more direct travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check their official website for the most current hours, especially for free entry days.
General admission is around 6€. However, you can visit for free on Fridays and Saturdays after 4 PM.
Yes, the museum offers free admission on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 PM onwards. Be prepared for potential queues as they strictly enforce the 4 PM start time.
While online ticket purchasing might be available, many visitors opt for on-site purchase or take advantage of the free entry times. Check the museum's official website for the latest information on booking.
If you're on a budget, waiting for the free entry days is a great option. If you prefer to visit during peak hours or want to support the museum, the 6€ fee is considered reasonable by many.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features two main sections: Natural History with fossils, minerals, insects, and taxidermied animals, and Archaeology showcasing artifacts and mummies from the indigenous Guanche culture.
The museum has very little interactivity, which can make it feel boring and tedious for some visitors, especially children.
Most visitors spend around 2 hours to see most of the expositions. The museum is relatively compact and not a full-day commitment.
While there are interesting exhibits like butterflies and naturalized animals, the lack of interactivity might bore children quickly.
The collection of Guanche artifacts and mummies is considered world-class. The insect collection, particularly the butterflies, is also a highlight.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, non-flash photography is often permitted for personal use. However, some special exhibitions might have restrictions. It's always best to check for signage or ask staff.
While not explicitly stated in all reviews, some immersive or sensitive exhibits might have 'no photography' signs. Always be respectful of these rules.
The butterfly room and displays of colorful insects offer great photo opportunities. The Guanche artifacts and mummies, while fascinating, might be more somber subjects.
Information on guided tours is not widely available in reviews. It's recommended to check the museum's official website or inquire upon arrival for any available tour options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do visit with kids, focus on the most visually striking exhibits like the insect displays and the Guanche artifacts. Perhaps prepare them beforehand with stories about ancient cultures or local wildlife to spark their interest. For a more interactive family outing, other attractions on Tenerife might be more suitable.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your visit, plan to arrive a little before 4 PM on a Friday or Saturday to ensure you get in promptly. This strategy allows you to enjoy the museum without the full admission price. Remember that the museum is not overly large, so a 2-hour visit is usually sufficient, making it a perfect addition to a day of exploring Santa Cruz without breaking the bank.
🏛️ History & Culture Enthusiasts
Beyond the Guanche legacy, the natural history exhibits provide valuable context for understanding Tenerife's unique environment and geological evolution. While some may find the presentation style a bit traditional, the depth and breadth of the collections are undeniable. It’s an opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the island’s heritage, from its ancient inhabitants to its diverse ecosystems.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Guanche Legacy
While the collection is extensive, some visitors note a slight lack of detailed information regarding the destruction and assimilation of the Guanche people. This aspect, crucial for a complete understanding of their history, is something many wish was explored more deeply. Nevertheless, the archaeological exhibits are undeniably the museum's strongest suit, providing a rich and educational experience for anyone interested in the island's pre-Hispanic past.
Exploring Tenerife's Natural Wonders
Beyond the living world, the museum delves into the island's geological timeline with displays of fossils and interesting rocks. These exhibits provide context for the formation of the Canary Islands and the ancient life that once roamed them. While the displays are informative, some reviews mention a lack of interactivity, which might make it less engaging for younger visitors or those accustomed to more modern, hands-on museum experiences.
Museum Experience: Layout and Engagement
Furthermore, the museum's engagement level is a recurring theme in reviews. With limited interactivity and walls of text, some find the experience boring and tedious, especially compared to more dynamic contemporary museums. The information presented, while interesting, is often displayed with low contrast, making it hard to read. For those seeking a highly interactive or fast-paced visit, the MUNA Museum might feel a bit dated.
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