tenerife museums pets trial

Tenerife museums to allow pets in pioneering Spanish trial

Pets welcome: Tenerife museums trial new access rules

The Autonomous Organisation of Museums of Tenerife, which falls under the island’s Cabildo (local government), has approved new coexistence rules that will regulate the entry of companion animals into its various museum centres. The measure, described as “pioneering” in Spain, is designed to promote “more accessible and inclusive” cultural spaces that reflect new social realities. It will be tested for three months across several sites, as announced by the island’s vice-president, Lope Afonso, and the councillor for Culture, Jose Carlos Acha, during the launch.

Strict protocols for safety and comfort

The implementation of this access authorisation will be subject to a specific protocol with safety guarantees that allow the initiative to go ahead while protecting people with allergies, phobias, or sensitivities related to animals. Entry to the museums will be restricted to two animals per room. From now on, Museos de Tenerife begins a three-month trial period at the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) and at the Casa Lercaro and Casa de Carta sites of the Museum of the History of Tenerife (MHT). Excluded from this trial, at least for now, are the Cueva del Viento, the Canary Islands and America Documentation Centre (CEDOCAM), and the Castillo de San Cristóbal.

However, due to its particular characteristics, the Museum of Science and the Cosmos will not allow companion animals, as the noises, sounds, and interactive effects mean it is not considered a “suitable” environment for them.

A step towards inclusivity

Vice-president Lope Afonso welcomed the introduction of a measure that has been “widely awaited” and aims to “extend coexistence” in public spaces “in a friendly and direct way”. He defended the pioneering nature of an initiative he described as “ambitious”, which will also pursue the necessary health guarantees. Councillor for Culture Jose Carlos Acha highlighted the importance of the initiative in responding to a social reality in Spain, where “the number of people with companion animals has grown enormously”. He stressed that the move addresses an inequality: “Not being able to visit a museum because you cannot leave your pet alone is a form of exclusion,” he warned.

First indoor museum experience in Spain

Asked about the pioneering nature of the initiative, officials from the Cabildo confirmed that similar experiences have been identified in Spain, but only in museums specifically for animals. As such, the only exact “reference” is an open-air museum in the Community of Madrid that allows pets. “This would be the first experience in an indoor museum. There are world-renowned art galleries asking about this initiative,” vice-president Lope Afonso told the media.

Rules and responsibilities for visitors

The new rules require that animals remain on a non-extendable lead at all times, maintain appropriate behaviour during the visit, and meet the conditions required by current legislation. In addition, a maximum of two companion animals will be allowed per floor. The museums reserve the right to prohibit or restrict access to certain rooms or areas for conservation or safety reasons. Owners will be held responsible for any incidents that may occur and must follow the instructions of museum staff.

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