Museums and visitable spaces in Gijón

Discover the Museums and Spaces to visit in Gijón: a journey through History, Art and Science.

Gijón, one of the most dynamic cities in northern Spain, is known not only for its stunning coastline and vibrant urban life, but also for its rich cultural offerings. With a history dating back to Roman times, the city has managed to preserve its heritage while embracing modernity, offering visitors a wide variety of museums and cultural spaces to visit. In this space of Enjoy Gijón we present you a detailed guide of museums and other spaces of interest in Gijón, ideal for tourists who want to immerse themselves in the culture and history of this fascinating city but also for locals who want to delve not only in the roots of this city but also in all the new cultural trends that visit our city.

Asturias Railway Museum

One of the most emblematic museums in Gijón is the Asturias Railway Museum, located in the neighborhood of Natahoyo, near the Poniente beach and the Gijón Marina. This museum, inaugurated in 1998, is dedicated to the history of the railroad in Asturias, a region that played a key role in the Industrial Revolution in Spain. The museum is located in a former railway station, which adds to the authenticity of the experience.

The Asturias Railway Museum has an impressivecollection of locomotives, wagons and other railway vehicles, some of which date back to the 19th century. In addition, the museum offers interactive exhibits that show how the railroad transformed the Asturian economy and society. Visitors can tour the different carriages and learn about the evolution of rail transport, as well as the daily life of railroad workers.

Campa Torres Archaeological-Natural Park

The Campa Torres Archaeological-Natural Park is one of the most important archaeological sites in northern Spain. Located in a privileged enclave overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, this park offers a deep dive into the history of Gijón, going back to pre-Roman times. Here, visitors can explore the remains of the ancient Asturian castro that inhabited the Campa Torres peninsula before the arrival of the Romans.

A tour of the park allows you to observe defensive structures, remains of dwellings and the famous wall, all surrounded by a unique natural environment. In addition, the park’s interpretation center offers a permanent exhibition that displays objects found in the excavations and explains the evolution of the site over the centuries. Undoubtedly, it is a place that perfectly combines nature and history, ideal for those interested in archeology and Asturian culture.

Evaristo Valle Museum

The Evaristo Valle Museum is another of Gijón’s cultural highlights. Located in the parish of Somió, this museum is dedicated to the Asturian painter Evaristo Valle, one of the most important artists of the region. The museum is set in a beautiful estate with gardens that are worth a visit in themselves.

The Evaristo Valle Museum’s collection includes a wide selection of works by the painter, ranging from his earliest works to his latest creations. In addition to paintings, the museum also houses a collection of sculptures, engravings and other art objects. Temporary exhibitions allow visitors to discover other contemporary artists, making this museum a meeting place for art and culture in Gijón.

Museum of the Roman Villa of Veranes

A few kilometers from the center of Gijón is the Museum of the Roman Villa of Veranes, a fascinating space that preserves the remains of an ancient Roman villa. This archaeological site is a testimony to the Roman presence in the region and offers a detailed view of daily life in a rural village during the imperial era.

Visitors can walk through the ruins of the villa, which include the central courtyard, the thermal baths and various rooms decorated with original mosaics. In addition, the museum has an exhibition that contextualizes the importance of this villa in the rural environment of Roman Gijón. It is an ideal place to learn about the Roman influence on the Iberian Peninsula and how the inhabitants of this region lived more than 2000 years ago.

Celestino Solar Citadel Museum

For those interested in the social and urban history of Gijón, the Celestino Solar Citadel Museum is a must-see. This museum, located in the Centro area, very close to San Lorenzo Beach, recreates life in a citadel or workers’ housing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The citadels were collective housing that arose in Gijón in response to the rapid growth of the population due to industrialization.

The museum allows visitors to explore the different rooms of a typical home of the time, with original furnishings and objects that show how working-class families lived. It is a space that offers a unique perspective on the living conditions of the working class during a crucial period in the city’s history.

Jovellanos Birthplace Museum

The Jovellanos Birthplace Museum is dedicated to one of the most illustrious Gijón-born citizens in history: Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos. This museum is located in the house where this influential 18th century politician, writer and jurist, known for his role in the Spanish Enlightenment, was born and grew up.

The museum not only offers a deep immersion in the life and work of Jovellanos, but also houses an important collection of Asturian art ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Paintings, sculptures and original documents are exhibited in the different rooms of this house-museum, which preserves the charm and atmosphere of the time in which Jovellanos lived. It is an essential place for those who wish to learn more about the history of Gijón and the figure of Jovellanos, as well as for lovers of Asturian art.

Barjola Museum

The Barjola Museum, located in the historic center of Gijón, is a space dedicated to the work of the Asturian painter Juan Barjola. Juan Barjola. The museum is housed in a historic building, the Chapel of the Trinity, which adds a special touch to the experience. Barjola’s works are characterized by his expressionist style and his focus on social themes, making him one of Asturias’ most prominent artists of the 20th century.

In addition to Barjola’s permanent collection, the museum also organizes temporary exhibitions of other contemporary artists, making it a dynamic place in constant renewal. Visitors to the Barjola Museum can enjoy not only the work of this great artist, but also the architecture of the building and its integration into the historic environment of Gijón.

Roman Baths of Campo Valdes

For lovers of ancient history, the Roman Baths of Campo Valdés are a fascinating point of interest in Gijón. These baths, discovered in 1903, are one of the most important archaeological remains in the city and date back to the 1st century AD. They are located in the heart of Gijón, in the neighborhood of Cimavilla, the old part of the city.

The museum allows visitors to explore the different rooms of the baths, such as the frigidarium, the tepidarium and the caldarium, which show how these public baths functioned in Roman times. In addition to the architectural structures, the museum offers an exhibition on daily life in Gijón during Roman times, providing an invaluable historical context for understanding the importance of this site.

Atlantic Botanical Garden

The Atlantic Botanical Garden of Gijón is a cultural and natural space that offers a unique experience to visitors. Inaugurated in 2003, this garden is one of the most important in Spain and focuses on the flora of the North Atlantic. The garden, which covers an area of more than 25 hectares of which 19 are already open to visitors, is divided into several thematic areas including the Cantabrian Environment, the Plant Factory, the Island Garden and the Atlantic Itinerary.

In addition to its botanical value, the Atlantic Botanical Garden also organizes cultural events, exhibitions and educational workshops. It is a perfect place for a family visit, where both children and adults can learn about the importance of nature conservation while enjoying a peaceful and beautiful environment.

Museum of the People of Asturias

The Museum of the People of Asturias, also known as the Ethnographic Museum, is one of the most visited museums in Gijón. Located in the neighborhood of La Guía, near the Piles River, this museum is dedicated to the culture and traditions of Asturias. Inaugurated in 1968, the museum has an extensive collection of objects that illustrate life in Asturias from the 19th century to the mid-20th century.

The Museum of the People of Asturias is spread over a large open-air space, where visitors can see examples of traditional Asturian architecture, such as hórreos (granaries), paneras and casonas (large houses). It also has a collection of historical photographs, musical instruments, traditional costumes and agricultural tools, which offer a complete view of rural life in Asturias. It is a must for those who wish to understand Asturian cultural identity.

Laboral City of Culture

The Laboral City of Culture is a multifunctional cultural complex that has become one of the main centers of cultural life in Gijón. This huge building, originally built as a Laboral University in the 1950s, has been transformed into a space where art, culture, education and entertainment are combined.

La Laboral houses the Center for Art and Industrial Creation, which is a reference in the field of contemporary art and new technologies. It also has a theater, exhibition halls, a music school, and the Laboral Tower, from where the best panoramic views of Gijón are obtained. La Laboral organizes a wide variety of cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, exhibitions and conferences, making it a vibrant place in constant movement.

Gijon Aquarium

For tourists visiting Gijón with children, the Gijón Aquarium is a must. Located on Poniente Beach, this aquarium offers a tour of marine ecosystems from all over the world, from the Cantabrian Sea to the Caribbean, passing through the Indian Ocean and the Arctic.

The aquarium is home to more than 4,000 marine species, including sharks, penguins, rays and turtles. In addition to the exhibition tanks, the Gijón Aquarium offers interactive and educational experiences that allow visitors to learn about marine biodiversity and the importance of conservation. It is a perfect place to spend a family day, combining fun and learning in a fascinating environment.

Laboral Center for Art and Industrial Creation

For those looking for a more contemporary experience, the Laboral Center for Art and Industrial Creation is the perfect place. This space, located in the former Laboral University, is a center dedicated to contemporary art, technology and industrial creation. Here, visitors can enjoy temporary exhibitions covering a wide range of disciplines, from digital art to experimental architecture.

Laboral is also a meeting point for creators and artists, offering workshops, conferences and artistic residencies. Its interdisciplinary approach makes it a dynamic and constantly evolving space, where art and technology combine to offer unique experiences. In addition, the building itself is an impressive example of 20th century monumental architecture, which adds additional value to the visit.