There are many different and unusual museums in Palma that are worth a visit when you holiday in this major Mediterranean Majorcan seaport.
The Island Museum (Museo Insular) is the largest museum and is located in a former Franciscan monastery that dates back to the 16th/17th century. You will find local historical items and local ceramics. There are also archaeological objects, drawings of rock carvings, and art including a Flemish painting from the 16th century.
The Museo de Mallorca has collections of Talayotic figurines, Gothic panels and paintings, Arabic ceramics, Islamaic archaeology, industrial arts, and fine arts. Admission is free for seniors and children under the age of 18 at all times, and is free to everyone on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Museu d’Art Modern i Contemporani de Palma is a contemporary art museum with works by Western Europe and Spanish artists. Admission is free for children under 12 and the unemployed.
The Contemporary Spanish Art Museum is in a large 18th century mansion that was restored at the beginning of the 20th century. There is a collection of 20th century Spanish sculptures and paintings by Picasso, Joan Miro, and others.
The Palau March Museu has open-air courtyards featuring sculptures from such artists as Rodin, Moore and Chillida. Over 70,000 manuscripts, books, and other printed materials are in a library on the grounds. Children under the age of 12 have free admission here, also.
The Palma Cathedral Museum features sacred paintings, sculptures, and art pieces. Included is a 15th century relic with encrusted jewels.
The Diocesan Museum next to the Cathedral has unique religious paintings, ceramics, sculptures, etc. from the 14th to 16th centuries.
the Krekovic Museum contains 150 canvasses from the Incans and pre-Incan civilizations.
The Museum of Old Dolls features collections from all different cultures and eras.
At the Maritime Museum is a reconstructed original size Santa Maria from the 16th century.
In nearby El Paso you can watch manual silk manufacturing in the small but interesting family-owned Silk Workshop and Museum. A guided tour also shows you the breeding of silk worms, spinning and weaving mills, and finished silk products.
In the small village of Mazo, the citizens designed wonderfully ornamented colorful carpets. The Museum of Corpus Christi and Embroidery Museum features embroidery on church vestments, traditional costumes, etc. Also included are reproductions, documents, illustrations, and photos from the beginnings at the time of Corpus Christi up to the present day.
The Wine Museum in Las Machas gives information on production and history going back to the 16th century when the first grape vines were planted on La Palma. You will also learn of grape types and where wine plantations are located on the island. An exhibition of ancient machinery and a historical wine press are in the courtyard, and the entrance fee includes two wine tasting sessions.
The Banana Museum in Tazacorte has exhibition tables and many pictures giving the history of banana production, which is still the most important economy on La Palma with exports of about 60,000 tons of bananas every year.
