Tenerife Art Scene: 5 Spots You Can’t Miss

Tenerife, an island of sun-kissed beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes, seemingly has another, very cool side too, a cultural heart that throbs with artistic expression. From the ancient whispers of aboriginal heritage seemingly to the bold strokes of contemporary art, there’s lots to see, like the art scene which invites you to peel back the layers of its story. We think this travel guide shines a light on places where history meets the present, shaping an experience that’s both enlightening and engaging.

1. TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (Tenerife Arts Space)

Now, TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, maybe you could call it the cultural beacon of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a building is actually designed by Herzog & de Meuron, that very same architect who did the Tate Modern in London. It’s almost more than just a museum, you see; it’s a happening place where contemporary art comes to have some fun. You’ll likely wander its halls and spot some collections which highlight Canary art, alongside some pretty thought-provoking exhibitions.

That spot also has a library with over 40,000 volumes for any bookworms. What’s totally cool about TEA is how it actually mixes visual arts with academic resources, and too, that it creates some very inspiring environment for anybody ready to learn and reflect. Visiting TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes is often like, maybe stepping into a conversation between the art of yesterday and today.

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2. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Eduardo Westerdahl (Eduardo Westerdahl Museum of Contemporary Art)

Alright, tucked away in Puerto de la Cruz seemingly is the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Eduardo Westerdahl, commonly regarded as a spot that displays a certain vision, specifically the vision of a guy called Eduardo Westerdahl. The very namesake founded it in 1953 and, for him it was almost his way to, kind of, start showing and promoting contemporary art way back. Very much unlike some bigger museums, this has a, like your more intimate feel. That setting somehow puts extra focus seemingly on the individual works.

It really packs a punch despite the fact that the exhibition is small, it has the collections mostly from the 50s and 60s. You could take some time there and reflect on the transition which Tenerife was going through and also see what the impact from that period actually meant when it comes to its art scene.

Read our full review: Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Eduardo Westerdahl Full Review and Details

3. Pirámides de Güímar Ethnographic Park

Very much unlike art in galleries, the Pirámides de Güímar Ethnographic Park probably does not only just display culture, instead, it, you know, attempts to investigate a mystery, mostly about its pyramid structures. Thor Heyerdahl, well, he was an explorer; this was once his idea to make, that, almost a way to dig up details, and he brought worldwide consideration right to this certain spot on Tenerife.

Anyway, that park has some super awesome stuff, there are museums which display the history behind pyramid building, botanical gardens full of regional plant types, plus views across the pyramids itself. To some people it’s just rocks stacked up neatly, to others that location seemingly connects you, maybe in some ways, very ancient ways to the people and places which, usually you only read about in history books. If you have already had your fair share of modern creations, so that could very well be your cup of tea. That’s for you to actually think about, of course.

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4. Iglesia de la Concepción (Church of the Immaculate Conception)

Oh, the Iglesia de la Concepción in La Laguna, is almost this beautiful church that displays the rich history found right around Tenerife. Being Tenerife’s oldest parish church means its history goes back hundreds of years, with all kinds of bits showing its construction throughout the centuries. You know, like, it could actually tell all sorts of tales from that structure itself. That means any time you get there to wander around you notice the Canarian architecture. The Mudéjar ceiling really highlights the historic depth. You might find the religious artifacts interesting too.

Anyway, La Laguna itself has a charm; walking around the pathways could very well mean getting this glimpse into island daily life. Any fans of classic and old religious spots really might just want to spend a little time there.

Read our full review: Iglesia de la Concepción Full Review and Details

5. Museo de Historia y Antropología de Tenerife (Museum of History and Anthropology of Tenerife)

Usually split up into different branches throughout Tenerife, you see, The Museo de Historia y Antropología explores, arguably in a broad sense, all that constitutes what this island is like; seemingly that refers to social development from the initial settlements all up to present-day. You’ll discover more about Tenerife there via seeing a variety of stuff for display and artifacts which reflect conventional Canarian life.

Typically, that museum highlights what made people do certain things, for instance in agriculture, local craftsmanship and celebrations from local customs. With focus seemingly on history along with stories being told around exhibits usually paints some pretty good impression to getting that essence about why Tenerife works so very well right now. Maybe we might learn one or two new tidbits. Anyway it is well located so should make any cultural trips well planned out.

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Read our full review: Tenerife Art & Culture Full Review and Details