Itsasmuseum Bilbao

Overview

Itsasmuseum Bilbao is an interactive maritime museum on the Mundaka Dock, exploring Bilbao's centuries-long relationship with the sea through restored vessels, immersive exhibits, and outdoor dry-dock displays. It occupies the same riverfront site as the former Euskalduna shipyard.

Highlights

• Restored Vessels: A luzarra fishing boat, the Aurrera tugboat, and the Euskalduna crane barge.
• Interactive Exhibits: Simulations of navigating the Nervión estuary and loading cargo ships.
• Outdoor Dry Dock: Original 19th-century shipyard infrastructure preserved as part of the exhibit.

History

Opened in 2003 in the renovated Naves de Abandoibarra, the museum was created to preserve the maritime heritage of the Bilbao estuary. Its collection has grown through donations from maritime companies, fishing families, and the Basque Government.

Visitor Tips

• Allow time for both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
• Combined tickets with the Museo Marítimo are available.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.