Images

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The image shows the exterior façade of the Bilbao Archaeological Museum (Arkeologia Museoa), located on Calzada de Mallona. The building features rehabilitated historic architecture with a vertical composition and a light-coloured façade, with rectangular openings regularly distributed across several floors. At the top, a triangular pediment with a circular oculus can be seen, while intermediate levels include balconies with metal railings and restrained decorative elements. On the ground floor, the museum’s signage stands out through a contemporary sign bearing the name arkeologi museoa, discreetly integrated into the façade. The building is set within a consolidated urban environment, surrounded by traditional buildings of the historic quarter, with narrow, paved streets. The ensemble combines the heritage character of the building with a contemporary museographic intervention, projecting a clear identity as a cultural facility dedicated to archaeology and to the dissemination of the history of the territory.
The image shows one of the exhibition rooms of the Bilbao Archaeological Museum, organised as a spacious, orderly and well-lit interior space. Display cases and plinths of varying heights present original archaeological artefacts, alongside interpretive panels and graphic resources. In the background, a large illustrative mural recreates a historical scene, helping to contextualise the objects on display. The visitor route runs along a continuous floor surface, without visible obstacles, providing ample space for comfortable circulation. The layout of the exhibition furniture, controlled lighting and the incorporation of interactive elements reinforce the educational character of the space and support an accessible visit.

Bilbao Archaeological Museum

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Description

The Bilbao Archaeological Museum is a reference centre and a key institution for disseminating archaeological research in Bizkaia through its activities aimed at spreading knowledge of the region’s history, promoting archaeological studies and ensuring the storage, conservation and restoration of archaeological materials. Its permanent exhibition takes us from the beginnings of human life in our region more than 100,000 years ago to historic times.

The Bilbao Archaeological Museum develops specific programmes and activities aimed at groups of people with cognitive disabilities, including visits with replicas, workshop-visits and sensory visits, designed to facilitate an adapted and participatory experience. The museum incorporates technological support resources, such as a mobile application functioning as an audio guide in several languages, audiovisual content, 3D visualisations and touch screens that enhance understanding of the exhibits. In addition to the permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions and educational activities are also organised, many of them aimed at children. As accessibility conditions and available support may vary depending on the activity, visitors are advised to contact the museum in advance to confirm the resources and conditions of the visit.

Features and services

The commercial policy regarding people with functional diversity

Is there a special rate for people with functional diversity and/or their companions?
Yes
Special rate type
The museum offers reduced admission for people with disabilities and free admission for one accompanying person.

Accessibility policy

Is there an accessibility certificate?
No
Is there a dedicated printed accessibility plan?
No

Specialized support for people with functional diversity

Is this staff easy to identify?
No

Communicationo adaptation

Are magnetic loop systems available?
No
Is information available regarding facilities and services in accessible text?
No
Is information available regarding facilities and services in Braille?
No
Does any staff know sign language?
Yes
Is there an audio guide service?
Yes
Is the work adapted for blind people?
Yes
Is adapted information available (simple text)
No
Is there any means of communication specifically designed for people with functional diversity?
No
Easy to read work information
Yes
Observations
The facility provides replicas of archaeological pieces to facilitate the visiting experience for people with visual disabilities. In addition, a sign language interpreting service is available by prior arrangement. Exhibition signage and explanatory texts are presented in different formats; however, some labels may not be easily readable for all audiences.

Personal Assistance and lending of technical aids

There is a service for lending technical mobility aids
No
Required personal assistance services are available
Yes

Environment accessibility

Is the establishment in a location with significant urban barriers or where there are problems to get access to motor vehicles?
No

Public transport

Availability of public transport
Yes

Parking

Parking available inside
No
Parking available outside
No
Public parking available nearby
No
Parking spaces reserved for PRM in the public space
Yes

Entrance to the establishment

Number of entrances
2
Entrance(s) accessible for PRM
Yes

Indoor circulation

Main aisle width of at least 1.80 m
Yes
Secondary aisle width of at least 1.20 m
Yes
Inside doors of at least 90 cm
Yes
Floor surface with guiding strips and orientation systems
No

Emergency exit

Does the establishment have evacuation plans in Braille and/or high relief?
No
Does the emergency door have panic bars?
No

Information desk

Is part of this 0.70 - 0.85 m high?
No

Locker

Is part of this 0.70 - 0.85 m high?
No
How high are the lockers?
1,10 m

WC

There is at least 1 service that can be considered as PRM accessible
Yes
Number of adapted services
2 per gender
Access door
width of ≥ 0.90 m
Outward opening sliding or swing door
Yes
You can make a 1.50 m circle inside
Yes
Washbasin without a base. 0.80M high
Yes
Adjustable height washbasin
No
Single lever or push button tap
Yes
Toilet height of 0.40 - 0.50 m
Yes
Distress call system
No
Call system in the entire WC
No
Free front space of 0.80 x 1.20 m for all toilets
Yes

Conference hall

Access to the venue without barriers
Yes
Minimum width of the entrance door: 0.90 m
Yes
Aisle width > 1.80 m
Yes
Spaces reserved for wheelchair users
Yes

Observations

Other aspects of interest

Accessible side entrance via Calle Prim. Sign-language translation can be booked in advance. Replicas of works for visually-impaired persons. Not all the information panels for the works are easy to read.

Location