Valencian Museum of Ethnology

The Valencian Museum of Ethnology, also known locally as L'Etno, is a captivating cultural gem located on Corona Street in the heart of Valencia, Spain. Established in 1982 and welcoming the public a year later in 1983, this museum is dedicated to the research and dissemination of ethnology and anthropology. Its mission is to provide a dynamic space for knowledge and reflection on the cultural diversity that defines humanity, with a particular focus on the traditional Valencian society and its transition to modernity, as well as the broader spectrum of Mediterranean and global cultures.

A Journey Through Valencian Culture

The museum was founded by Joan Francesc Mira during a period of cultural revival in Valencia, coinciding with Spain's political transition. The idea was to create a museum that would study, collect, and promote traditional Valencian culture. Initially, the museum had a small staff and was housed in the Centro Cultural la Beneficencia, where it shared space with the Prehistoric Research Service of the Diputación de Valencia.

Over the years, the museum has grown significantly, amassing a collection of approximately 15,000 pieces by 2007. It has become a reference point for traditional Valencian culture, showcasing artifacts from agricultural technology to urban materials and traditional clothing.

Permanent Exhibitions

The Valencian Museum of Ethnology offers three permanent exhibitions that present a contemporary view of Valencian life: La ciudad vivida. Ciudades valencianas en tránsito 1800-1940, Huerta y marjal, and Secano y montaña. These exhibitions cover urban, rural, and coastal aspects of Valencian territory, respectively. They are organized around themes of living spaces, communal areas, and workplaces, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the region's cultural landscape.

The exhibition La ciudad vivida explores the transformation of Valencian cities between 1800 and 1940. It uses a classic museography style with evocative and nostalgic elements, featuring objects, photographs, and oral history interviews. This section occupies about 400 square meters and provides a deep dive into urban life during this transformative period.

Huerta y marjal employs a more innovative museography, focusing on key concepts rather than a plethora of objects. The first room uses scenography and photographs to convey the importance of the Valencian huerta (irrigated agricultural land) and marjal (marshland). The second room, known as the room of objects, displays items related to agricultural work, festivals, religion, fishing, and domestic life. This section highlights the museum's rich collection of agricultural tools and objects, emphasizing the significance of the huerta in Valencian culture.

The Secano y montaña exhibition follows a similar structure, with a conceptual room featuring a scale model of the Valencian dryland territory and a second room dedicated to objects. This section aims to shed light on the often-overlooked rural cultural and geographical realities of the Valencian countryside. Notable exhibits include a cart loaded with televisions and traditional objects suspended from the ceiling, offering a unique perspective on rural life.

Temporary Exhibitions and Special Projects

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions on ethnological, historical, anthropological, and sociological topics. Past exhibitions have covered themes such as the world of Valencian pelota (a traditional sport), music bands, and migration. These temporary exhibitions complement the permanent ones, providing fresh insights and perspectives on Valencian culture and beyond.

The museum also serves as the coordinator of the Network of Local Ethnological Museums, established by the Diputación de Valencia. This network fosters cultural cooperation, advisory services, and training, helping to break the isolation of local museums and create a shared space for communication and collaboration.

Recent Renovations and New Exhibitions

In June 2018, the museum began a comprehensive renovation of its permanent exhibition, culminating in the reopening in July 2020. The new exhibition, titled No es fàcil ser valenciana / No es fàcil ser valencià, spans over 1,500 square meters and focuses on recent traditional and popular Valencian culture. Curated by Joan Seguí, Asunción García, and Josep Aguilar, with the collaboration of the entire museum team, the exhibition features more than 1,000 objects, including a restored Seat 600 and a Mickey Mouse children's chamber pot from the 1930s.

The new exhibition continues the museum's tradition of exploring three main areas: la Ciutat (the city), l’Horta (the huerta), and el Secà (the dryland). It delves into the tension between global and local influences, offering visitors a nuanced understanding of Valencian identity and culture.

The Valencian Museum of Ethnology is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a vibrant cultural institution that invites visitors to explore and reflect on the rich tapestry of Valencian life. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an anthropologist, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to L'Etno promises to be an enlightening and enriching experience.