Bilbao Basque Museum Reopens After 4-Year Renovation
On June 10, 2026, the Basque Museum of Bilbao (Euskal Museoa) will welcome visitors again after being closed for four years since October 2021. This extensive renovation, which cost more than €20 million, was supported by the Biscay Foral Deputation and the Bilbao City Council. The project has increased exhibition areas by over 6,000 m² and secured nearby buildings for conferences and workshops. The architectural firm Vaíllo + Igaray crafted an engaging experience inspired by the 'living oak' concept. A gastronomic lab and restoration depot are set to launch in September. Director Sorkunde Aiarza envisions the museum as 'the gateway to Basque culture.' With a collection of around 50,000 items, it includes the Iron Age sculpture 'Idol of Mikeldi.' Established in 1923, the museum attracted over 100,000 visitors in 2019.
Key facts
- Basque Museum of Bilbao reopens June 10, 2026 after 4 years.
- Closed in October 2021 for expansion and restructuring.
- Over €20 million invested by Biscay Foral Deputation and Bilbao City Council.
- Exhibition spaces expanded by more than 6,000 m².
- New buildings acquired for conferences and workshops.
- Architects Vaíllo + Igaray designed immersive 'living oak' route.
- Gastronomic laboratory and restoration depot open in September.
- Director Sorkunde Aiarza aims for international cultural gateway.
- Collection of about 50,000 objects, including Idol of Mikeldi.
- Museum founded in 1923, housed in 17th-century Jesuit college.
- Record 100,000+ visitors in 2019.
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum also under renovation by Foster and Uriarte.
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao 30th anniversary in 2027.
Entities
Artists
- Sorkunde Aiarza
- Norman Foster
- Luis Maria Uriarte
Institutions
- Basque Museum of Bilbao
- Euskal Museoa
- Biscay Foral Deputation
- Bilbao City Council
- Vaíllo + Igaray
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
- El Diario
- Le Journal des Arts
- Société Bilbao Bizkaia Museoak
Locations
- Bilbao
- Spain
- Biscay
- San Andrés