The Santxotena Workshop Museum in Artziniega reopens its classic “Despertar de una nostalgia” exhibition to the public this Saturday. The official inauguration took place on Tuesday, attended by Cristina González and Felipe García, Deputy and Director of Tourism for Álava, respectively, and Arkaitz San José, the municipality's deputy mayor. They joined the exhibition's curator, Teresa Lafragua, and sculptor Xabier Santxotena.
This exhibition is more than just a doll collection; it mirrors societal evolution, addressing themes such as functional diversity, inclusion, racism, homophobia, changes in gender roles, fashion, and manufacturing materials from a historical and social perspective.
The collection features items ranging from a century-old papier-mâché doll to novel beeswax dolls from Mexico and modern Neo Blythe dolls with internal mechanisms to change eye color and direction. It connects with the emotions and memories of various generations.
“"Many of the dolls and figures on display, over 2,000, are part of the collective memory of thousands of people and awaken shared memories, experiences, and feelings."
The exhibition also highlights circular economy and sustainability, noting that 99.9% of the pieces and many decorative elements have been preserved and reused, including an old rotary phone and a vintage wooden radio, part of a recreated toy shop.
The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to reflect on societal evolution while reliving childhood magic. It is open on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Sundays only in the morning. Group reservations (minimum ten people) can be made by calling 605 717 857 or 945 396 664.
The Santxotena Workshop Museum, opened in 2010, received the Euskadi Tourism Award for Trajectory on June 25th. The space, over a thousand square meters and architecturally accessible, allows visitors to see the work of sculptor Xabier Santxotena and his creative workshops.
