Itsasmuseum Bilbao, a shipyard turned into a museum
Itsasmuseum Bilbao is a shipyard converted into a museum that opens onto the coast and the sea. Located in the emblematic docks of the Euskalduna Shipyard - with more than 150 years of history - the museum reveals the maritime universe that stretches from the Bilbao Estuary to the Bay of Biscay, highlighting in particular the close relationship of this land and its people with the sea, who have lived for centuries by and for it.
The exterior represents a first-class heritage complex made up of the docks, which house the museum's collection of vessels, including the Portu barge - the first vessel built in the Euskalduna Shipyard -, the Pump House and the iconic Carola crane, a symbol of Bilbao!
The interior exhibition shows our maritime history through stages such as trade, mining, industrial development, steel shipbuilding, sport and leisure, environmental recovery, and the importance of the Port of Bilbao.
Art also has a place in the temporary exhibitions at Itsasmuseum, which is currently hosting Ibarrola en la ria, agua, hierro, fuego y aire, an exhibition by Agustín Ibarrola (Basauri, 1930) made up of 17 large-format oil paintings and around twenty drawings in which the artist deals with maritime and industrial themes from the surroundings of the estuary.
In addition, the museum offers an extensive programme adapted to all kinds of audiences, ranging from family activities to children's workshops, concerts, conferences, and even an escape room based on real events -Bilbao 1803- that takes you right back to the bustling town at the beginning of the 19th century in an experience that tests all your senses.
An essential visit to discover the identity, heritage and unique character that the sea has given to Bizkaia and its inhabitants!
The visit to Itsasmuseum concludes with the project for the recovery of 20th century shipbuilding in Bizkaia, Erain, which consists of an exhibition and an active workshop for the maintenance and restoration of dock boats, especially for the scientific restoration of the fishing boat Nuevo Anchustegui.
In short, an essential visit to get to know the identity, heritage and unique character that the sea has given to Bizkaia and its inhabitants!
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