Museums of Seville – What to see and what to skip

For those who like to come home with something other than magnets, these are the most popular museums in Seville:

 

The Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares de Sevilla, The Popular Arts and Traditions Museum of Seville

This museum has exhibitions of Andalucian traditions, artisanal workshops, heritage, and every day household items. They cover everything from period furniture and clothing to guitar and wine making among many other processes. It provides a great opportunity to learn about the way of life in this distant country during that era. Make this visit if you’re looking to learn more about the peoples of Andalucia and not only taking in the main sights.

Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla, Fine Arts Museum of Seville

Art lovers (raises hand) will appreciate this collection from Spanish artists like Murillo, Zurbaran, Velazquez, and El Greco. The museum is arranged chronologically, from medieval and baroque to renaissance to early 20^th century. As with most museums, your enjoyment will be determined by your interests so, if you’re not much into religious art but more into modern art head for the top floor and make your way down. If your significant other is not into art, the building alone is enjoyable, entrance is inexpensive, and they might want to check it out before waiting for you, sitting outside in the pleasant shade.

Museo de Arqueologia de Sevilla, Archeology Museum

This museum traces the societies that have lived around Seville from Prehistory to the Modern age. Most of its focus, though, is understandably in the Roman period with having such proximity to Italica and all the artifacts found there. Nevertheless, you’ll also learn about the region’s Prehistory, Protohistory, last Bronze age, Phoenicians and Tartessian cultures. It also houses Islamic and Visigoth pieces. Information is in Spanish but laid out in a way that each section gives an overview of how people lived in that era, making it easier to understand the displays. You will be provided with printed guides in English at the entrance if you ask for them. These are not detailed but provide extra info.

Museo Historico Militar de Sevilla, Historical Military Museum of Seville

This museum is often underestimated because it is not large, but it is a good choice for anyone who wants to learn about history and developments of warfare. Although not exactly laid out in chronological order, the exhibits touch on the Napoleonic invasion, the Spanish Civil war, and other local bellicose events. You’ll find military uniforms and weapons, model soldiers, ammunitions, gas masks, cannons, bombs and swords. Don’t be put off by the toy soldiers on display at the entrance. It gets better further in.