Exhibition about L'Albufera at the IVAM

Seeing l'Albufera from a gallery in the city centre sounds backwards until you go: the exhibition assembles a visual investigation of the wetland through paintings, photographs and documents. It runs until 17 October and entry is free.

Why this show is worth an hour

L'Albufera is Spain's most recognisable wetland — a freshwater lagoon behind the dunes, ringed by rice paddies, which most visitors experience only as a sunset boat trip. The exhibition does the opposite: it slows down, mixing artworks with documentary material. It works either as preparation before you go, or as a way of understanding what you already saw from the boat. The IVAM, at Guillem de Castro 118, is the city's modern art museum; check its opening hours and closing days on the official site before heading over.

Getting to the IVAM

It sits on the western edge of the old town, beside the Torres de Quart and a short walk from the Carmen quarter. Walking is the answer from anywhere central, and several bus routes run along Guillem de Castro. Driving is the worst option here: dense traffic, expensive parking.

Then go to the real thing

The lagoon itself is roughly half an hour south of the city and reachable by public bus. El Palmar, inside the natural park, is the village the boats leave from, and Racó de l'Olla has a bird hide with easy access. This is also where Valencian paella genuinely comes from, a subject with strong local opinions — ours are in where to eat the best paella. If free museums are the plan, the full list is in free museums in València.