Arkeologi Museoa

Overview

The Arkeologi Museoa (Basque Country Archaeology Museum) charts the human history of the Basque region from prehistoric cave dwellers to the Roman era and the medieval period. Located in a renovated building in the Casco Viejo, it uses original artefacts, reconstructions, and multimedia.

Highlights

• Prehistoric Section: Stone tools, cave art replicas, and evidence of early habitation in Basque caves.
• Roman Exhibits: Artefacts from the Roman settlement of Forua, including pottery and coins.
• Medieval Bilbao: Objects from the city's founding period and early mercantile economy.

History

Founded in 1982, the museum moved to its current renovated premises in 2008. Its collections are drawn from archaeological excavations across the Basque Country, with particular focus on the caves of Bizkaia and the Romanisation of the region.

Visitor Tips

• Good rainy-day option — small enough for a focused 45-minute visit.
• Free admission on Fridays.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.