Museo Vasco

Overview

Housed in a 17th-century Jesuit cloister in the heart of the Casco Viejo, the Museo Vasco (Basque Museum) provides a comprehensive introduction to Basque culture, ethnography, and history. Its collections range from prehistoric artefacts to traditional crafts and maritime tools.

Highlights

• Mikeldi Idol: A mysterious Neolithic stone animal sculpture found in Durango, the museum's most iconic piece.
• Traditional Basque Life: Exhibits on rural life, pelota, fishing, and pastoral traditions.
• Scale Model of Bizkaia: A detailed 3D map of the entire province on the top floor.

History

Founded in 1921, the museum is housed in the Colegio de San Andrés, built by the Jesuits in 1604. After the Jesuits were expelled in 1767, the building served various civic functions before becoming the Basque Museum.

Visitor Tips

• Don't miss the cloister — the Baroque arcade is beautiful and often overlooked.
• Free admission on Thursdays.
• Duration: 45 minutes–1 hour.