Forget everything you thought you knew about Ibiza. This May, the White Island invites you to step inside its most iconic museums and live unforgettable experiences, from treasure hunts among ancient ruins to guided art walks with the artists themselves… and even the chance to sleep inside a contemporary museum. Yes, really.
5 irresistible reasons to explore Ibiza’s museums this May
When most people think of Ibiza, they picture beaches, sunsets and legendary parties. But there is another Ibiza waiting to be discovered, one filled with mystery, beauty and stories carved into ancient stones and splashed across canvases. From 15 to 23 May, in honour of International Museum Day, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACE) and the Puig des Molins Necropolis will offer a series of events that are completely free of charge and unlike anything you have seen before.
Here is everything you should not miss if you are visiting Ibiza this spring.
1. Guided by artists: walk through the works with their creators
Imagine standing in front of a painting, while the person who created it stands beside you, revealing the inspiration, symbolism and secrets behind each stroke. That is exactly what will happen on Sunday 18 May at MACE, where artists Nico Munuera and Albert Pinya will personally guide a tour of their exhibition at 12pm. Their energy and passion will make the works come alive in front of your eyes.
Before that, on Saturday 17 May, Elena Ruiz, director of MACE, will lead an exclusive guided visit from 10:30am to 12:30pm through the permanent collection and the temporary exhibition MACE Foco VII. With only 25 places available, it promises to be an intimate and insightful journey into the soul of contemporary art.
2. Museums open their doors: a day of free culture in Ibiza
Sunday 18 May is a special day across the island: a massive open house in Ibiza Town’s top museums, including MACE, Museu Puget and Casa Broner, all open from 10:00am to 14:00pm.
Strolling through the cobbled streets of Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can dip in and out of stunning historic buildings, admire cutting-edge art, and take in breathtaking views of the sea and port below. It is the kind of day that leaves your camera full and your soul richer.
3. A sleepover at the museum: the night you will never forget
How many people can say they have slept inside a museum? On the night of Thursday 23 May, ten lucky participants will do just that at MACE. Surrounded by artworks and silence, they will experience the museum in a way few ever have. It is part dream, part retreat and completely unique.
To join, participants need to bring a sleeping bag, food, a mat and a notebook. The night ends with a peaceful morning on Friday 24 May at 10am. This is not just an activity, it is a memory in the making.
4. Journey to the past: Ibiza’s archaeological secrets revealed
If you are more drawn to history than modern art, the Archaeological Museum (MAEF) has something magical for you. From Thursday 15 to Friday 16 May, enjoy free guided tours at 11am through the museum and the incredible Puig des Molins necropolis, home to ancient Phoenician-Punic tombs and centuries of island secrets.
You will walk through a site that has witnessed more than two thousand years of civilisation, with the scent of wild herbs in the air and the whispers of the past under your feet.
5. Games, stories and surprises for all ages
On Sunday 18 May, the MAEF becomes a space of play and discovery. Take part in a light-hearted treasure hunt, where visitors must find an ‘infiltrated’ object that does not belong among the ancient pieces and win a prize if you succeed.
At 12pm, do not miss the enchanting storytelling session by Encarna de las Heras, titled ‘Give Me a Story and I Will Move the World’. It is a perfect plan for families, where the young and young-at-heart can travel through history without ever leaving the museum.
This is the other side of Ibiza you will fall in love with
The beaches are beautiful, yes. But Ibiza is also a land of ideas, imagination and deep-rooted culture. These International Museum Day activities offer a rare chance to connect with the island’s true identity, in ways that are surprising, emotional and 100% Instagrammable.
Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or with family, this is your invitation to explore, dream and experience Ibiza in a way most tourists never do.
Ready to discover the cultural side of Ibiza?
- Save the dates: 15 to 23 May
- Locations: MACE, MAEF, Museu Puget and Casa Broner (Ibiza Town – Dalt Vila)
- Activities: free guided tours, open museums, artist meetups, storytelling for children and a one-of-a-kind museum sleepover
- Entry: free (some events with limited capacity)
Bring your curiosity, your camera and your sense of wonder. Ibiza is about to surprise you.
