Itsasmuseum Bilbao - A large building with a lot of windows on top of it
1 / 10

Itsasmuseum Bilbao

4.4
·2k reviews·Bilbao, Spain

Explore Bilbao's shipbuilding legacy and industrial transformation at Itsasmuseum, housed in the historic Euskalduna shipyard.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Itsasmuseum Bilbao - A large building with a lot of windows on top of it

Itsasmuseum Bilbao

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Bilbao's shipbuilding legacy and industrial transformation at Itsasmuseum, housed in the historic Euskalduna shipyard.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"An immersive dive into Bilbao's maritime soul with gritty, vibrant stories and captivating outdoor docks."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Allow ample time

Dedicate at least 2 hours to fully explore exhibits and outdoor ships.

🗣️ Multilingual Videos

Videos have English, Spanish, and French options.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Gabarra

The Gabarra

Outdoor Docks

See the iconic barge used by Athletic Club for championship celebrations – a true symbol of Bilbao's spirit.

Reddit
Interactive Exhibits

Interactive Exhibits

Indoor Galleries

Engage with Bilbao's maritime heritage through dynamic displays, videos, and storytelling.

Reddit
Ship Models

Ship Models

Indoor Galleries

Marvel at detailed models showcasing the evolution of shipbuilding and maritime technology.

Reddit
Waterlicht Installation

Waterlicht Installation

Museum Esplanade

Experience this immersive light art installation reflecting on water and climate change.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds at Itsasmuseum

While Itsasmuseum Bilbao isn't as packed as the Guggenheim, visiting on weekdays, especially mornings, can offer a more intimate experience. Weekends and school holidays might see more families, so plan accordingly for a relaxed exploration of Bilbao's maritime past. Reddit

Immerse Yourself in Maritime History

Itsasmuseum Bilbao offers a deep dive into the city's shipbuilding and port history. Allow at least two hours to explore the interactive exhibits, watch the multilingual videos, and tour the outdoor ships. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (Rainy Days)
Why
Great indoor escape
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Fotosesion por #bilbao ✨ ig: arianehoyos
@arianehoyos
211.6K likes • 2.2M views

⏳ Allow ample time

Dedicate at least 2 hours to fully explore exhibits and outdoor ships. Reddit

🗣️ Multilingual Videos

Videos have English, Spanish, and French options. Reddit

📍 Maman at Guggenheim Bilbao - Have you ever visited BILBAO ? #traveltiktok #travelphotography #jordikoalitic
@jordi.koalitic
68.2K likes • 1.1M views
🌊 Waterlicht, una experiencia luminosa, gratuita, que nos hará reflexionar sobre nuestra relación con el agua y el cambio climático. 📍 Explanada del Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao – Itsasmuseum 🗓 Del 18 al 20 septiembre ⏰ 21:30-00:00 🎟 Actividad gratuita, al aire libre, de la mano de @bbk_eus Apuntadlo, que tiene muy buena pinta para hacer en familia y ya sabéis, para estar al día de planes com...
bilbaotxiki
212 likes • 14.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Walk

Enjoy a scenic 15-min walk from Guggenheim. Reddit

♿ Accessible for All

Elevators make navigation easy for mobility issues. Reddit

✨ La magia de Waterlicht ya ilumina Bilbao. Del 18 al 20 de septiembre, vive en Itsasmuseoa la obra inmersiva del artista neerlandés Daan Roosegaarde que te hará reflexionar sobre el futuro del planeta. 🌊 Durante 3 noches, @maritimemuseumbilbao se llenará de luz y conciencia climática. ¡No te lo pierdas! 📍 Itsasmuseum 📅 Del 18 al 20 de septiembre. ⏰ 21:30h - 00:00h 🎟️ Acceso gratuito ℹ️ https:...
bbk_eus
45 likes • 3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Allow ample time

Dedicate at least 2 hours to fully explore exhibits and outdoor ships. Reddit

🗣️ Multilingual Videos

Videos have English, Spanish, and French options. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Walk

Enjoy a scenic 15-min walk from Guggenheim. Reddit

♿ Accessible for All

Elevators make navigation easy for mobility issues. Reddit

💰 Great Value

Affordable entry fee for an immersive experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Itsasmuseum Bilbao for its informative and engaging exhibits on the city's maritime and industrial history. Many highlight the value for money, the accessibility of information in multiple languages, and the unique experience of exploring real ships on the outdoor docks. It's considered a pleasant surprise and a worthwhile visit, especially for families and those interested in industrial heritage.

"A small museum with a lovely collection of artefacts about Bilbao’s maritime history and city’s development as an important port. It is an ideal place for school trip or educational tour for school children with a lot of interactive displays - videos, storytelling, old and new maritime artefacts. Videos are in three languages, including English, Spanish and French. Can consider to visit if you are travelling with school age children or during rainy days for an indoor visit. About 15 walks from Guggenheim along the river so very accessible."

Vivian Wong

"Did a museum ever make you feel like you’re sailing through history? The Itsasmuseum pulls you into Bilbao’s maritime soul with its gritty, vibrant story of the Ría de Bilbao. I spent over two hours wandering through detailed ship models and interactive displays, totally hooked. The outdoor docks, with real boats like the iconic gabarra used by Athletic Club to celebrate victories, are just as captivating. I learned the museum sits on the old Euskalduna shipyard site, where modern Basque shipbuilding kicked off in 1900. Tickets are just €6, and trust me, it’s a steal for this immersive dive into the sea’s legacy."

Patrick Kass

"Very informative museum with engaging videos and exhibits in multiple languages. Would definitely recommend a visit and was not too busy at all. The service was great and overall layout was well planned"

Darach Gardner

What People Like

Informative maritime history
Interactive displays
Outdoor ship tours

What People Dislike

Can be less busy than expected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Itsasmuseum Bilbao is easily accessible. It's about a 15-minute walk along the river from the Guggenheim Museum. You can also use public transport; the tram to Uribitarte is a convenient option. Reddit

Yes, it's conveniently located near the Guggenheim Museum, making it easy to combine visits. The museum is also situated along the Ría de Bilbao, offering a pleasant riverside walk. Instagram

Absolutely! A leisurely walk from the Casco Viejo (Old Town) or other central areas along the river is a great way to experience the city and reach the museum. Instagram

The tram stop 'Uribitarte' is very close to the museum. Several bus lines also serve the area, making it easy to reach by public transport. Instagram

While there might be some street parking, it can be limited. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk, as the museum is well-connected. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are very affordable, typically around €6, offering excellent value for the immersive experience. Reddit

While not always strictly necessary, booking in advance is a good idea, especially during peak season or for special events like Waterlicht. Instagram

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Itsasmuseum Bilbao website before your visit. They are generally open Tuesday through Sunday. TikTok

Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on pricing and concessions. Reddit

Yes, Itsasmuseum is highly recommended for school trips due to its interactive displays and engaging content about maritime history. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Itsasmuseum showcases Bilbao's maritime history, shipbuilding, and the city's industrial past. Highlights include detailed ship models, interactive exhibits, videos, and outdoor displays of real boats, including the Gabarra. InstagramReddit

Most visitors find that 2-3 hours is sufficient to explore the museum thoroughly, including the indoor and outdoor exhibits. Reddit

Yes, many of the videos and informational panels are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French, making it accessible for international visitors. Reddit+1

Yes, the outdoor docks feature real ships, like the Gabarra, that visitors can often tour, offering a unique hands-on experience. Reddit

Absolutely! Itsasmuseum is very family-friendly with many interactive displays and engaging content that appeals to children and makes learning fun. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside Itsasmuseum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or temporary displays. TikTok

The outdoor docks with the historic ships, especially the Gabarra, offer great photo opportunities. The museum's architecture and its riverside location also provide scenic backdrops. Reddit

The Waterlicht installation, when available, is a highly photogenic event. Also, the views of the Ría de Bilbao from the museum grounds are picturesque. Instagram+1

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near cultural institutions. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone in Bilbao. TikTok

Visitors often capture photos of the impressive ship models, the historic vessels on the docks, and the overall industrial heritage of the site. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Itsasmuseum Bilbao is a fantastic choice for families. The museum's interactive exhibits and engaging videos are perfect for keeping children entertained and educated about maritime history. Reddit Don't miss the chance to explore the real ships on the outdoor docks, especially the famous Gabarra, which kids often find thrilling. Reddit The multilingual content ensures everyone can understand and enjoy the displays. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Itsasmuseum Bilbao offers incredible value. With an entry fee typically around €6, it's an affordable way to immerse yourself in Bilbao's rich history. Reddit Combine your visit with a scenic walk along the river from the Guggenheim, saving on transportation costs. Reddit

🚢 Maritime Enthusiasts

If you have a passion for ships and seafaring history, Itsasmuseum is a must-visit. The extensive collection of ship models, detailed exhibits on shipbuilding, and the opportunity to tour actual vessels provide a deep dive into maritime heritage. Reddit+1 Learn about the evolution of the port of Bilbao and its significance in global trade. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Culture Seekers

Itsasmuseum Bilbao offers a unique cultural experience, showcasing the industrial soul of the city. It provides a fascinating contrast to more contemporary art museums, offering insights into the labor, innovation, and transformation that shaped Bilbao. Instagram Keep an eye out for special temporary exhibitions like the Waterlicht installation for an added artistic dimension. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Bilbao's Industrial Heartbeat

Itsasmuseum Bilbao is more than just a museum; it's a testament to the city's powerful industrial past. Located on the grounds of the former Euskalduna shipyard, the museum vividly recounts the story of shipbuilding in Bilbao, which was crucial to the city's economic development. From the early 20th century, this shipyard was a hub of innovation and labor, shaping the very identity of Bilbao. The museum's exhibits delve into the techniques, the lives of the workers, and the sheer scale of the vessels constructed here. Instagram

The transition of this industrial site into a cultural space like Itsasmuseum mirrors Bilbao's broader urban regeneration. The museum highlights how the city transformed its port and industrial areas into vibrant public spaces and cultural attractions. This reinvention is a key part of Bilbao's modern narrative, showcasing resilience and forward-thinking. Visitors can see how the past is preserved and celebrated while embracing the future. Instagram

Exploring Itsasmuseum offers a unique perspective on Bilbao's journey. It provides context for other iconic landmarks, like the Guggenheim, by showcasing the foundational industries that paved the way for such modern developments. The outdoor exhibits, featuring real ships, offer a tangible connection to this history, allowing visitors to step back in time and appreciate the engineering prowess of bygone eras. Reddit

The Waterlicht Experience

Itsasmuseum Bilbao has hosted 'Waterlicht,' an immersive light art installation by Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde. This captivating exhibition uses light to explore humanity's relationship with water and the pressing issue of climate change. It transforms the museum's esplanade into a dreamlike landscape, inviting reflection and dialogue. Instagram+1

Waterlicht has traveled globally, illuminating iconic locations and engaging millions of visitors. Its presence at Itsasmuseum Bilbao underscores the museum's role as a venue for contemporary art and social commentary, extending beyond its permanent maritime collections. The installation's ephemeral nature makes it a special event for visitors, offering a unique, visually stunning experience. Instagram

This installation is particularly relevant given Bilbao's history as a port city and its ongoing efforts in environmental sustainability. It provides a powerful, artistic lens through which to consider the future of water and the planet, making it a thought-provoking addition to any visit to Itsasmuseum. Instagram+1

Family Fun and Education

Itsasmuseum Bilbao is an excellent destination for families, offering a blend of education and entertainment. The museum's interactive displays are designed to capture the attention of children, making the learning process engaging and fun. From exploring detailed ship models to watching informative videos, there's plenty to keep young minds occupied. Reddit

The outdoor exhibits, featuring real boats like the historic Gabarra, provide a hands-on element that children often find particularly exciting. They can imagine themselves as sailors or engineers, bringing the maritime history to life. The museum's location along the river also offers a pleasant environment for a family stroll. Reddit

With multilingual content and accessible facilities, Itsasmuseum ensures a comfortable and informative visit for families from diverse backgrounds. It's a great option for a rainy day or as an educational outing that complements school learning. Reddit+1

You may also like

1 of 2