Museums La Gomera: History and Culture of the Island
La Gomera is home to a variety of museums that reflect its rich history and culture.
These spaces provide an understanding of the island’s traditions, customs and heritage, as well as its connection to significant historical events.
The importance of the museums lies in their function of preserving the Gomeran legacy and being meeting points for the community.
Through various exhibitions and activities, they promote education and cultural dissemination among visitors and local inhabitants.
He who wants limpets should get his ass wet: He who wants success must take risks and sacrifice things.
Dichos canarios
PEG Los Telares Museum, The Ethnographic Park of La Gomera
The Ethnographic Park of La Gomera Los Telares is an open-air museum located in the municipality of Hermigua, on the island of La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, Spain.
This ethnographic park is dedicated to preserving and displaying the culture and history of La Gomera, and focuses on the traditional crafts of the island.
Schedule:
- Museum and store from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Pricing:
- Standard visit 4,95€
- Group visits (from 8 people)
4,95€3,50€ VIP Visit with Wine and Food Pairing Tasting
15,00€14,00€VIP Visit with Tasting and Pairing for groups (from 5 people)
15,00€13,50€
Archaeological Museum of La Gomera
The Archaeological Museum of La Gomera (MAG) is a museum located in San Sebastian de La Gomera, specifically is installed in the House of the Echeverria, a family prominent as governors and military of the island in the eighteenth century.
This museum is dedicated to the history and pre-Hispanic culture of the island, and has a large collection of archeological objects and remains.
The museum offers permanent exhibits that show the evolution of the society and culture of La Gomera from prehistoric times to the Spanish conquest in the 15th century.
Among the most outstanding objects are ceramics, stone tools, bone remains, cave paintings and ritual objects.
Schedule:
- Winter: Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00.
Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00; Mondays closed. - Summer: Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 19:00; Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00; Monday closed.
Pricing:
- FREE ENTRY
Interpretation Center - Las Loceras
The Centro de Interpretación de Las Loceras is a museum located in the municipality of San Sebastián de La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, Spain.
This center is dedicated to the history and craftsmanship of the traditional pottery of La Gomera.
The center is located in a historic building that has been restored and refurbished to show visitors the history and technique of pottery production in La Gomera.
In the museum you can find exhibits of antique objects and tools used for the production of ceramics, as well as a collection of traditional ceramic pieces from the island.
The center also offers pottery workshops and courses for visitors, where they can learn the traditional techniques used to create La Gomera’s ceramic pieces.
In addition, the center has a store where authentic ceramic pieces and other handcrafted products from the island can be purchased.
Schedule:
- Tuesday to Sunday from 09:30 to 13:30 hours.
Pricing:
- FREE ENTRY
Casa de la Miel de Palma
The objective of the also known as Casa de la Miel de Palma is to promote this product of the gastronomy, tradition and economy of La Gomera.
In the Casa de la Miel de Palma you can buy the products and learn about the laborious, ancestral and interesting process of extraction of palm honey.
This vital substance comes from the palm tree or Phoenix canariensis.
The visitor center has interpretive panels and exhibits videos and handicrafts.
All of this is always related to the world of the palm tree and its use.
Schedule:
- Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:30 hours.
Pricing:
- FREE ENTRY
Columbus House
This museum is dedicated to the figure of Christopher Columbus and his relationship with the island of La Gomera.
In these sections you can learn about the relationship of the discoverer of America with the island of La Gomera, his preparation for the voyage and his arrival in the New World, as well as the culture of the pre-Columbian peoples he encountered on his journey.
Schedules:
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 hours.
Pricing:
FREE ENTRY
La Alameda Museum
Remembering, looking at objects and thinking about how they were touched by hands that are no longer here and that helped build this town.
Weights to measure, bicheros to catch, books to read, photographs as windows, mirafondos to see, games with which the children of memory played…
All this and more can be found in La Alameda Museum, a space for the reunion with the past in the neighborhood of La Calera.
Schedule:
- Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm
- Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Price:
FREE ENTRY
José Aguiar Museum
This museum is dedicated to José Aguiar, an artist born in this town in 1895, who is considered one of the most important painters of the Canary Islands in the 20th century.
The museum is housed in what was once the artist’s home, offering visitors an intimate view of his life and work.
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 20:00 hours.
Price:
- FREE ENTRY
The importance of museums in La Gomera
Museums play a fundamental role in the conservation and dissemination of the cultural and social heritage of La Gomera.
Preservation of history and culture
These spaces act as guardians of the past, safeguarding objects and stories that are essential to understanding the Gomeran identity.
Through their collections, museums ensure that local traditions and customs are passed on to future generations.
Connecting with the community
Museums are not only places of exhibition, but also meeting points for the local community.
They encourage citizen participation and collaboration among inhabitants, contributing to a sense of belonging and pride in their cultural heritage.
Education and cultural diffusion
The educational work of the museums is vital.
They offer workshops, guided tours and activities that facilitate learning about the history and culture of La Gomera.
- They encourage interest in local tradition.
- Promote research and knowledge about the Gomeran environment.
- They establish links with schools and educational centers.
In this way, museums become tools that enrich the cultural education of visitors and the community in general.
Museum activities
The museums of La Gomera are not only places of exhibition, but also offer a variety of activities that encourage participation and interactive learning.
Workshops and conferences
Hands-on workshops are organized that allow visitors to immerse themselves in local traditions.
These may include:
- Craft workshops, where participants will learn traditional techniques.
- Talks and lectures on the history and culture of La Gomera.
- Activities related to agriculture, highlighting the production of local products.
Temporary exhibitions
The museum calendar includes temporary exhibitions covering a variety of topics.
These exhibitions may address:
- Specific aspects of the history of Gomera.
- Local artists and artisans, showing their work and creative process.
- Themes related to the environment and sustainability, highlighting the natural wealth of the island.
Family activities
Family activities are an important part of the museum’s offerings.
These may include:
- Educational games designed to involve children in the history of La Gomera.
- Interactive guided tours that encourage family learning.
- Special events, such as cultural festivities, where everyone can participate.
The role of the community in museum management
Community participation is fundamental in the management of the museums of La Gomera.
This connection not only strengthens the link between the cultural heritage and the inhabitants, but also establishes a space for collaboration and mutual enrichment.
Local museum management
Museums on La Gomera are often managed by local managers and volunteers who have a deep knowledge of the island’s history and traditions.
This close management allows for an authentic and meaningful interpretation of the objects and exhibits.
Several communal initiatives are carried out to keep the museums relevant and adapted to the needs of the local population.
Promotion of the Gomeran identity
Museums play a crucial role in promoting Gomeran identity.
Through their exhibitions and activities, they reinforce the island’s history and traditions, generating a sense of belonging among the people of Gomera.
Collaborations with community groups help to showcase the various facets of Gomeran culture, thus contributing to the preservation of its cultural heritage.
Support for local artists and artisans
- Museums frequently organize events that highlight the work of local artists, creating a space for creativity and cultural expression.
- Initiatives are carried out to promote the sale of local handicrafts, providing economic support to Gomeran producers.
- Collaborative art exhibitions and workshops help keep traditional techniques alive, ensuring their transmission to future generations.