Images

The image shows an interior exhibition hall of the Basque Country Mining Museum, arranged as a spacious and well-lit area dedicated to the interpretation of mining activity. In the foreground, wooden mining carts loaded with ore can be seen, along with a series of rock and mineral samples displayed on stepped wooden platforms and clearly labelled. In the centre of the hall, historical machinery and tools related to the extraction and transport of minerals stand out, while along the sides there are information panels and large-format photographs that contextualise the mining landscape and industrial activity of the area. The flooring is smooth and continuous, facilitating movement, and the lighting is uniform, allowing for proper viewing of the exhibited objects. In the background, visitors can be seen walking through the space, helping to convey the scale of the elements and reinforcing the educational and accessible nature of the exhibition.

Basque Country Mining Museum

Go back to Mining Museum of the Basque Country

Description

The Basque Country Mining Museum is a non-profit organisation that arose from a social initiative developed in 1986, the year in which the Mining Museum Cultural Association was created. This association was formed by former miners and steelworkers, among others, who, in the midst of an industrial crisis, saw how the elements that had formed part of the very essence of Bizkaia were beginning to be abandoned. Once the association was created, it selflessly made efforts to recover and conserve the elements that mining activity had produced, such as wagons, tools, photographs and documents, with the intention of not letting this part of our history be forgotten. In 2002, with the collaboration of the Abanto-Zierbena City Council, the Basque Country Mining Museum Foundation was created. In 2001, the museum opened its doors in the old slaughterhouse in the Gallarta neighbourhood. The Mining Museum Association therefore achieved one of its objectives, to be able to exhibit and promote to the general public the collection of pieces, tools, machines and documentation that had been collected over the years in the mountains and factories. Since then, it has continued to publish monographs and organise exhibitions and outreach activities for all types of audiences. It has promoted research and the collection of oral testimonies and is currently engaged in a strategic reflection process that will enable it to successfully tackle major future projects such as the construction of the new building.

The Basque Country Mining Museum is located in a rehabilitated historic building, which may entail certain constraints derived from its original configuration. The exhibition hall is located on the ground floor, so the use of a lift is not required. The visit takes place in indoor exhibition spaces and outdoor areas linked to the mining environment; therefore, accessibility conditions may vary depending on the areas visited and the type of route or activity scheduled. Visitors with specific accessibility needs are advised to contact the museum in advance to obtain information about available routes and support services.

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
Reduced admission.

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

Is an internet point with a Jaws voice system available?
No
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?
Yes
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
Easy to read work information
Yes

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
Yes

Indoor circulation

Main aisle width of at least 1.80 m
Yes
Secondary aisle width of at least 1.20 m
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?
Yes

Information desk

Is part of this 0.70 - 0.85 m high?
Yes

Locker

Is part of this 0.70 - 0.85 m high?
Yes

WC

There is at least 1 service that can be considered as PRM accessible
Yes
Access door
width of 0.80 - 0.89 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
No
Minimum width of the entrance door: 0.90 m
Yes
Aisle width > 1.80 m
No
Spaces reserved for wheelchair users
No

Observations

Other aspects of interest
  • No lift is required, as the exhibition hall is located on the ground floor.
  • Visits last approximately 75 minutes. They can be conducted in Basque, Spanish and English. Visits in Spanish and English: €4. Visits in Basque: €3.
  • Animals are not permitted inside the museum, except for guide dogs.

Location