Tenerife Museums Report Post-Pandemic Recovery With 287,000 Visitors
Tenerife’s museum network has surpassed pre-pandemic attendance levels, marking the recovery with a series of interactive events and free admission for International Museum Day.
Tenerife’s network of museums has fully recovered from the pandemic, welcoming 287,051 visitors over the last year. According to the Island Council, this 3.5% increase in attendance highlights the museums' vital role as hubs for education, culture, and community connection.
José Carlos Acha, the Minister of Culture and Museums, is leading a shift to transform these spaces. Moving away from their traditional role as static exhibits, museums like the Casa de Carta and the Museum of Science and the Cosmos are becoming interactive forums for debate and public participation. This modernization aligns with International Council of Museums (ICOM) guidelines, aiming to make heritage and science accessible to everyone.
This approach is particularly relevant for International Museum Day on May 18, which this year focuses on "Museums for Education and Research." To mark the occasion, the Island Council is offering free admission to all centers, along with a program of over 20 events, including workshops, lectures, and guided tours.
The May schedule highlights the island’s cultural variety. Key events include a forum for women scientists at the Museum of Science and the Cosmos, activities tied to the "Canarias al detalle" exhibition at MUNA, and a guided tour at the Castle of San Cristóbal that explores historical memory. Through these initiatives, the museum network hopes to reach new audiences and encourage the critical thinking needed to build a more inclusive, sustainable society.