Top 5 Canaries Art & Culture: A Personal Tour

So, if you’re thinking about the Canary Islands, you probably have mental images of sunshine, right? Picture golden sand, too it’s almost always what people think of. But, that’s only scratching the surface because, frankly, there’s way more to these islands than just postcard scenery. They actually have a super cool and unique art and culture scene just waiting for you! Seriously, the art that has evolved out here in these islands gives insights on the area.

I have spent a good bit of time hopping between islands, exploring what they’ve got, you know? Let me share a few awesome spots. These are spots that are all very worthwhile visits. From historic museums tucked away on Tenerife to amazing modern art spaces over on Lanzarote, that you might want to go to! Prepare to have a much richer understanding that makes any holiday even more rewarding.

1. Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA)

Okay, so, first up is Tenerife Espacio de las Artes or, as everyone calls it, TEA. Found in Santa Cruz, the island’s lively capital city! TEA is not just a building; very arguably, it’s a striking work of art itself. Its sharp, modern lines make for impressive architecture. You will want a photograph to show friends back home!

Basically, the TEA hosts rotating exhibits that really mix it up. Expect everything ranging from home-grown talent doing Canary Islands art, which makes use of local colors and forms! To bigger, sometimes international collections. It is actually fantastic as they really aim to showcase artwork in very different shapes, forms, and with different points of view. What to expect, is work that seriously inspires and really pushes you to think about how you view modern culture, right?

A must-see here, even a quick peak if possible, is the Óscar Domínguez collection. Domínguez was a super famous surrealist artist born in Tenerife, and, well, frankly, seeing his work displayed where he’s from gives a special feeling. By the way, there is this fantastic café in the building, so when you’ve had your fill of art, too it’s almost a nice spot to just sit and have some cortado. That’s like, espresso with a tiny bit of steamed milk, delicious! Remember this must-see location: Tenerife Espacio de las Artes Full Review and Details.

2. Castillo de San José – International Museum of Contemporary Art, Lanzarote

So, you can now catch a ferry over to Lanzarote and find Castillo de San José that is overlooking the Arrecife harbor. That’s a pretty amazing viewpoint in its self. Built during the 1770s, arguably designed to give the islanders a bolt hole from pirates. But, this castillo actually then morphed in 1976 into something very very special. It evolved, as Cesar Manrique saw it, right?

The artist was native to the island and, so, he had this brilliant thought to transform what used to be basically a fortress! Turning it into this place for home grown creative art. Cesar Manrique was well known as an architect and artist for respecting nature! You will be surprised when seeing this space; seeing all these clean white spaces contrasting with those sharp black volcanic rocks outside. Basically, it all emphasizes Lanzarote’s raw volcanic beauty. Which many will feel makes the artwork feel much more impactful.

You may very well find pieces from all sorts of famous artists, like, Miro and Tapies too! As a matter of fact, there is an art gallery exhibiting the works! Afterwards why not relax at that castle restaurant and enjoy tasty Canarian meals! All with a stunning scenic bay backdrop!. Have a peep at the full details here: Castillo de San José Full Review and Details.

3. Casa de Colón, Gran Canaria

You can find Casa de Colón in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Casa de Colón actually gives insight to the story of the Canary Islands way back when. Even touching upon their tight ties to the Americas. It has an impressive location within what once would have been a Government buildings. According to historians its design mixes various things, but the building has touches of gothic flair, Renaissance architecture and traditional design from the islands. What you’ll discover here is art showcasing the expeditions that Christopher Columbus went on as well as an insight on how the Canaries actually provided a pitstop. Used as like, you know, an absolutely essential spot! This pit stop allowed the Islands to basically aid travels through the Atlantic and back!

Now, this is not all there is, obviously there’s art galore, right? So, this place has lots and lots to explore! Including some Spanish paintings stretching from way back into ancient history! To more modern artwork! Plus model ships plus other interesting navigational items all displayed together! Take that, combined with other interesting tidbits, that gives you a rich insight to how sailing has formed what we know about the islands today!

This building isn’t just about showing pieces, frankly it actually gives a look on cultural identity as well as the history of shipping too! What can you say about this fascinating piece of history and art?! Also you should definitely make time to actually soak in Gran Canaria’s amazing architecture all around. Read up the information here: Casa de Colón Full Review and Details.

4. Atlantic Center of Modern Art (CAAM), Gran Canaria

While on Gran Canaria, that said, if the modern kind of work is actually more your bag. Don’t forget the Atlantic Center of Modern Art – otherwise CAAM!. The focus point of CAAM centers on how art, that, like your creations from African artists, as well as how American and European culture! Has basically mixed, shaped and grown within the islands! You know? Like your cultures that shape art in the Islands? As a matter of fact, this place looks to exhibit artwork which really has had meaning as well as artwork pushing boundaries too! Very interesting that they tend to mix artwork together to examine different themes too!

Visiting here should definitely not be missed! Check it out and ponder over all sorts from stunning canvases to work done through video! Honestly this will all make you think how this area has shaped those involved and more!. As a matter of fact there is regularly different happenings, like educative courses on the gallery. Be sure not to forget visiting and finding the buzz from Las Palmas from those stunning galleries! Learn everything you need to know here: Atlantic Center of Modern Art Full Review and Details.

5. Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park, Gran Canaria

For something with that little different taste of culture, basically venture near Gáldar municipality around Gran Canaria for finding Cueva Pintada Museum!. A pretty awesome archeological discovery, basically showcasing some pretty impressive work!. Made originally via native ancient artists from the islands. These kind of pre-colonist works found in 1873 offer special peeks to this era. It showcases this past! Which the colonists didn’t record and might not even know anything about!

Viewing these cavern work makes you wonder about old-fashioned cultural practices and historic meaning within that artwork! Actually they have taken loads of measures to basically protect a cavern here. Ensuring this cave and pieces will basically live on!. Take some time at Cueva Pintada but do this together with exploring local Gáldar. That gives this real authentic feel showing both old and modern aspects this isle brings to those going. Why not, learn everything by visiting our full review: Cueva Pintada Full Review and Details.

So, from contemporary modern to native traditional creations, the Canaries is actually this interesting center which blends artistic creations for all sorts!