Valencia’s Hortensia Herrero Art Centre makes its home inside a beautifully restored 17th-century palace, so the setting alone is worth the trip. Opened in November 2023 in the heart of the city, the contemporary art space brings together more than 100 works by over 50 artists, from international names like Anish Kapoor and Anselm Kiefer to Spanish favourites like Manolo Valdes. Several pieces were created specifically for the building, from immersive light works to large-scale installations shaped around the palace’s grand architecture, making it feel a world away from your usual white-walled gallery.
As you wander through the space, you’ll move between high ceilings, patterned tiles and centuries-old walls now framing sculptures, mixed-media pieces and modern works. The palace itself throws in plenty of surprises, too, with archaeological remains woven into the space, like a Medieval oven tucked into the foundations, an Islamic fountain and even a former alleyway from the old Jewish quarter uncovered during restoration. There’s also a small shop stocked with prints, ceramics and coffee table books, plus a cosy spot to grab a drink or a light bite to round off your visit.
