The most special museums of Bilbao Bizkaia

Museums not to be missed in Bilbao Bizkaia

Bilbao Bizkaia is a land of nature, gastronomy, adventure, sport, culture... and yes, also of museums. All over Bizkaia, you will find interesting museums that delve into the rich history, culture and traditions of this territory.

While most of these museums in Bilbao Bizkaia are located in the capital, Bilbao -and some of them you are probably familiar with, such as the Guggenheim or the Museum of Fine Arts, which we will tell you more about-, there are also notable museums in other parts of Bizkaia.

Whether you are a lover of history, culture, modern art or even classic cars, Bilbao Bizkaia has it all for you. Here’s a glimpse of 7 unique museums in Bilbao Bizkaia that we highly recommend for your next trip.

Iron Belt Memorial Museum

Located in the town of Berango, this museum is situated near the defensive line to which it owes its name: the Iron Belt, a set of fortifications erected during the Civil War by the Basque Government to halt the advance of the rebel troops.

In this museum you will learn about the Iron Belt, how and why it was built and about the intense battles that led to its downfall, and as a consequence, the takeover of the capital of Bizkaia by Franco's forces.

For more information: www.cinturondehierro.eus

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao hardly needs an introduction. Inaugurated in 1997, this famous museum of contemporary art is located in the heart of the city. Designed by Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry, it has become an iconic symbol of Bilbao’s urban transformation over recent decades.

The museum has an outstanding permanent collection, complemented by various temporary exhibitions.

For more information: www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus

Itsasmuseum Bilbao

The Itsasmuseum Bilbao or Basque Maritime Museum is a former shipyard converted into a museum dedicated to the maritime history, diversity, richness and preservation of Bilbao Bizkaia. It is located at the Muelle Ramón de la Sota, opposite the famous Carola crane.

Due to its location, Bilbao Bizkaia has traditionally maintained an intimate and profound relationship with the sea, and the Itsasmuseum Bilbao is the perfect place to explore this part of our history.

For more information: www.itsasmuseum.eus

Mining Museum of the Basque Country

The Mining Museum, located in Gallarta, is dedicated to the study, preservation and dissemination of the mining and industrial culture and heritage of Bilbao Bizkaia.

In this museum you will discover how the exploitation of iron ore revolutionised the territory and completely changed its social structure, historical development and even the landscape itself.

For more information: www.meatzaldea.eus

Vintage and Classic Car Museum

For classic car enthusiasts, a visit to Torre Loizaga in Galdames is a must. This museum, located in the reconstructed Concejuelo Castle, houses one of the finest collections of vintage cars to be found anywhere in the world, featuring models such as Ford, Ferrari, Hispano-Suiza, and Jaguar... and, most notably, the world's largest collection of Rolls-Royces up to 1998, all in perfect condition.

For more information: www.torreloizaga.com

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

From Romanesque art to the most contemporary works: the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is a must for art lovers, as it offers a comprehensive and exciting journey spotlighting key artists and trends in Western art.

The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum also houses the best and most complete collection of Basque art, with names such as Eduardo Chillida, Jorge Oteiza, Ignacio Zuloaga, Aurelio Arteta and many others.

For more information: www.bilbaomuseoa.eus

Athletic Club Museum

A football club that is much more than just a club. The museum recounts the more than a century-old history of Athletic Club de Bilbao exhibiting more than 1,000 pieces and 900 videos.

Fans of Athletic Club, wherever they may be from, will appreciate the legacy of one of the oldest football clubs on the Iberian Peninsula.

For more information: www.sanmames.athletic-club.eus/museo