Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero (CAHH)

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The building was constructed on the site of a 2nd-century Roman circus, the remains of which are preserved and visible in the museum's basement.

2. 2

   The restoration process involved the recovery of a hidden gothic courtyard that had been walled off for centuries.

3. 3

   The museum serves as the personal collection of Hortensia Herrero, a prominent Spanish entrepreneur and philanthropist.

4. 4

   The site includes a specific exhibition space dedicated to rotating temporary site-specific installations.

5. 5

   The architectural intervention was designed to contrast minimalist exhibition white-cubes with the rugged texture of the original masonry.

Overview

The Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero is a private contemporary art museum housed within the restored 17th-century Valeriola Palace in the historic Ciutat Vella district. The institution showcases a permanent collection of international contemporary art, including works by artists such as Andreas Gursky, Anselm Kiefer, and Georg Baselitz. The building underwent an extensive multi-year renovation to preserve original architectural elements like the gothic arches and a Roman circus structure discovered during excavation. Visitors can view the archaeological remains of a Roman-era circus incorporated into the basement level of the gallery. The exhibition spaces are spread across multiple levels, integrating modern installation techniques with centuries-old structural features. The museum functions as a cultural hub intended to enrich Valencia's art scene by bridging historical heritage with modern creative expression.

Insider tips

• Book your tickets well in advance online as the limited capacity frequently results in sell-out days.

• Ensure you spend time in the lower levels to view the Roman archaeological site before exploring the contemporary galleries.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as navigating the multi-level historic structure involves significant walking on various floor surfaces.