Bibat museum hosts exhibition on the 1860 solar eclipse

From July 18 to October 18, Araba explores the historical connection between astronomy and card manufacturing.

Image of an exhibition at the Bibat museum featuring astronomy and historical playing cards.
IA

Image of an exhibition at the Bibat museum featuring astronomy and historical playing cards.

The Bibat museum opens an exhibition on July 18 dedicated to the 1860 solar eclipse. The display examines the scientific significance of that event in Araba and its link to the playing card industry.

The exhibition will be open until October 18. The initiative was organized in light of the anticipation for the upcoming August 12 eclipse, recalling how the 1860 event placed Araba at the center of international astronomical research.
At that time, a British expedition established observation points in locations such as Ehari, Anda, Pobes, Urizaharra, Hereña, Laudio, and Guardia, as well as in the Toloño mountain range and the Santa Lucia height in Vitoria-Gasteiz, where a commemorative monolith stands today.
The exhibition highlights the connection between science, art, and industry. It includes original sketches, astronomical charts, and historical card decks, linking the scientific legacy with the playing card company archives held by the museum.