Bilbao (10-11-2026). The Basque Museum-Museo Vasco Bilbao and Euskaltzaindia have today inaugurated an exhibition on the life and work of the prolific linguist and first president of Euskaltzaindia, Resurrección María Azkue. The exhibition can be visited in the museum's temporary exhibition hall until January 10, 2027.
The exhibition delves into Azkue's many facets, including his roles as a professor, musician, priest, journalist, ethnographer, folklorist, writer, and editor. Fourteen sections trace his career, complemented by glimpses into Azkue's era: his childhood in Lekeitio, his youth, his acquisition of the Basque language chair, his work on dictionaries (the trilingual dictionary), his modern and urban vision of Basque, his tireless work as a folklorist (Euskalerriaren yakintza), his efforts within Euskaltzaindia, and the post-war years.
The exhibition features Azkue's personal objects, documents, and books. Among them are pieces donated by Azkue himself to the Basque Museum, such as his walking stick, cross and pedestal, an inkwell, snowshoes (elur-zapatak), and a voting urn from the brotherhood of San Pedro de Lekeitio. Documents and books from Euskaltzaindia's Library and Archive are also on display, including a copy of the trilingual dictionary used by Koldo Mitxelena for the Orotariko Euskal Hiztegia; sketches for songbooks; and a 1920 request from the Diocese of Vitoria to review Basque catechism texts.
The exhibition also includes an interactive screen where Azkue's voice can be heard from a 1913 recording. Four harmonized pieces are presented, including the popular 'Txori erresiñula', and a QR code allows for the download of a complete audio guide. This is one of the first exhibitions in the renovated temporary hall of the Basque Museum of Bilbao.
For information on the special program surrounding the exhibition, visit the website www.euskalmuseoa.eus or Euskaltzaindia's website, www.euskaltzaindia.eus.
