History, culture, and activities for the whole family: this is what you can find at the Arán Valley Museum in Vielha. Visiting this space is one of the best plans you can make in Vielha and the Arán Valley, as it will allow you to learn more about the region and Aranese culture.
Prepare your next trip to this incredible region, where nature is pure, the villages have a special charm, and the entertainment options are many and diverse. In this article, we are going to tell you everything about the Musèu dera Val d’Aran and in the end, you will realize that you already want to visit it.
The Arán Valley Museum
This museum, which is called Musèu dera Val d’Aran in Aranese, has the function of preserving and communicating the culture, art, history, ethnology, and traditions of this incredible region of the Pyrenees. To visit it, you must go to the old town of Vielha, one of the most interesting towns in the Arán Valley, and look for the Torre del General Martinhon. On the four floors of this 17th-century manor house, you will find various elements that tell the story of this place and its people. In the Casa Joanchiquet de Vilamos and in the church of San Juan de Arties, you can enjoy other buildings that are part of the museum and that perfectly represent the architecture and customs of the Aranese Pyrenees.
What you can see inside
In the charming Arán Valley Museum, you will find different areas that occupy various floors of the building:
- On the ground floor is the reception and welcome area for visitors, as well as a bookstore with many books related to the themes addressed in the museum;
- On the first floor, you can discover more about the region and its evolution through a spectacular interactive map;
- Going up to the second floor, you will find important works of art, such as the Crist de Casarilh and the Crist d’Escunhau, which are medieval carvings from the 12th and 13th centuries. Here you can also see very old regional ceramics;
- On the third floor is the Armario de los Privilegios (Privileges Cabinet), perhaps the most emblematic piece of the Musèu dera Val d’Aran, where some important documents have been historically kept;
- The top floor of this museum will greet you with a contemporary perspective of the valley and its most recent milestones.
The collection of these works and documents offers a complete vision of what the Arán Valley was and is, and that is why it is very worthwhile.
How to get there and opening hours
To visit the Arán Valley Museum, you have to go to Vielha, the heart of the Aranese mountain region. This small but beautiful town is 3 hours and 15 minutes by car from Zaragoza, via the A-23, then the A-22, and then the N-230; from Lleida, it will take 1 hour and 15 minutes via the N-230; and from Barcelona, it will take 3 hours and 45 minutes, with a journey to Lleida and then following the N-230. From the airport Andorra La Seu dUrgell, the closest to Vielha, it will take 2 hours and 15 minutes via the N-260, first, and then the C-28.
So that you can organize yourself, we tell you what the opening hours of the Arán Valley Museum are: in summer it is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays and holidays between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Outside the summer months, the museum is open from Monday to Saturday, between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM in the morning and between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM, except on Sundays and holidays, when it is only open in the mornings, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The entrance fee is €3 for the general public, €2 for young people, seniors, and large families, and it is free for children under 11 years of age and members of ICOM. For guided and group tours, we recommend contacting the museum and booking directly.
History of the area through the museum
One of the most important things that you will be able to discover in this museum is the rich history of the region, and you will be able to observe its evolution from the Stone Age to the present, with many curiosities that will entertain you. Some of the most interesting points talk about the Romans, their role as defenders of the border, passing through the mines and hydroelectric plants that have always been so important.
You will realize the medieval influences, you will see artifacts of great historical and cultural importance, and you will find religious art from many centuries ago. Visiting this museum is a way to travel in time and truly get to know the Arán Valley, beyond its natural beauty, its ski slopes, and the spectacular Aranese gastronomy.
Educational and family activities
This is a great plan to do as a family, as there are several fun activities, such as games and mysteries: no one will get bored here! The little ones will have notebooks that teach them things about the museum from the perspective of a historian or an archaeologist, and they must follow the trail of a fun lizard. All this is to make the tour more enjoyable, so parents can focus on learning all about the Arán Valley.
Visit the “Musèu dera Val d’Aran” in Vielha
On your visit to Vielha, set aside some time to visit the Arán Valley Museum and learn more about the region. Traveling is also about learning about the culture and history of places, and this is the perfect place for it. Be sure to practice winter sports at the ski resort of Baqueira-Beret or try the traditional dishes of the valley, such as olla aranesa (Aranese stew) or wild boar stew.
For your accommodation, take a look at the fantastic selection available at Toti Aran, specialists in rentals in the Arán Valley and Baqueira. You can book your chalet in the mountains with a fireplace or an apartment a short distance from the best ski slopes in the country directly online. It will be the perfect base for discovering one of the most beautiful regions there is, whether visiting its towns or exploring its nature. The Arán Valley awaits you.
