The Oiasso Museum in Irun has marked one year since the inauguration of its Roman baths, a milestone that has led to a record number of visitors. Director Aizpea Goenaga and deputy director Juanjo Jiménez proudly speak of their work, emphasizing their commitment to promoting the city's historical heritage. Juanjo Jiménez, who has been with the museum for 20 years since its opening, expresses the honor of contributing to the knowledge of local history, feeling a deep connection to his community.
The museum, which houses vestiges from the era when Irun was an important Roman enclave, extends beyond its physical premises, encouraging visits to sites like the Irugurutzeta mines or the Santa Elena necropolis. Goenaga consistently highlights the value of the city, its origins, and its heritage, noting that Irun possesses one of the few ports of its kind globally. Even seemingly simple items, such as Roman-era shoe soles, are exceptional, existing in only two places worldwide, with Irun being one of them.
“"You have to see how the archaeological excavation was carried out in parallel with the work, how that exemplary restoration was done, which turned out beautiful, and which also gave spectacular life to the back part of the museum. The remodeling, the musealization, and the opening of the baths served as a call for people to come, and it has been noticed in terms of visitors."
The opening of the baths has provided a significant boost to the museum. Nuria Alzaga, Culture Delegate for the Irun City Council, states that the “baths effect” has revitalized the museum, drawing many Irun residents for the first time. Alzaga adds that last year, 44,000 people visited the museum, with 14,000 of them being from Irun, underscoring the importance of valuing local heritage, history, and culture, and linking them with tourism.
The museum offers a wide range of activities tailored for all audiences, including schools and families. Juanjo Jiménez explains that they organize workshops and activities for students of all ages, as well as family workshops on weekends and guided tours. During holiday periods, such as Easter, summer, or Christmas, virtual reality glasses are available to visitors. In addition to the well-known Dies Oiassonis, the museum hosts the FICAB (archaeological film festival), talks, monthly conference series, and theater workshops, alongside temporary exhibitions like “The Neanderthal decline 45,000 years ago” and “Gordailua Oiasson, games and toys”.
In three months, the Oiasso Museum will celebrate its 20th anniversary. It is expected that on May 18, International Museum Day, details of the surprises prepared for this special occasion will be revealed. This anniversary will almost coincide with the Dies Oiassonis festival, and given the passion of the museum's team, excellent ideas are anticipated for the celebrations.
