The Euskal Museoa Bilbao reopened its doors to the public on June 10th, following an extensive transformation. The Biscayan institution positions itself as a major Gateway to Basque Culture, solidifying its status as a modern, open, and contemporary museum.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, the Mayor of Bilbao and President of the Museum, Juan Mari Aburto, and the Deputy General of Bizkaia, Elixabete Etxanobe. The Museum's Managing Director, Sorkunde Aiarza, also participated, unveiling the transformation of the building and its museography. Artist Xabier Aburruzaga provided the musical accompaniment.

Attendees toured the museum via the Misericordia building, discovering key collection pieces such as the early 1940s kitchen made for the Restaurante Victor de Bilbao, and the space dedicated to the Basque language and oak tree, Aretz Bizia. They also admired the diverse pieces within the Claustro building.

This new project embodies an ambitious international vision focused on disseminating Basque culture, realized through a comprehensive architectural and museographical renovation, offering an immersive experience that bridges tradition and contemporaneity.

Admission to the museum will be free from June 10th to June 21st, allowing the public to explore this renewed cultural offering.

With an investment of 20,397,401.53 euros from the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and the City Council of Bilbao, the project has gained over 5,000 m2 of exhibition space. The new museography has also involved the recovery and restoration of previously unexhibited collection pieces.

The construction works involved approximately 800 professionals and utilized materials such as over 200,000 kilograms of reinforced concrete and 12,000 m2 of lime mortar coatings.

The museum, with over 100 years of history, began its renovation in 2023 under the Eko nekta project, designed by architects Antonio Vaíllo and Juan Luis Irigaray.

The new museography is organized into four main spaces: Misericordia (territory and anthropological heritage), Claustro (overview of Basque heritage), Unamuno (to open in a second phase with its own narrative), and Kurtze (multipurpose hall, library, and educational area).

The project also introduces an updated educational program and a more intuitive and accessible website, enhancing the visitor's digital experience.