Centro de Arte Rupestre Tito Bustillo
Interpretation centre next to the Tito Bustillo cave, a World Heritage Site, with a six-area permanent exhibition on Palaeolithic art.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centro de Arte Rupestre Tito Bustillo is in Ribadesella, about 300 metres from the Tito Bustillo cave, one of the most important Palaeolithic art sites in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was created because some of the cave’s art panels are difficult to access and need to be conserved, so the centre allows visitors to learn about the cave and its art without walking the whole route. Previously there was a prehistory didactic classroom in Ardines, opened in 1987, which the centre replaced.
The permanent exhibition explains when the cave was discovered, its geological value, who inhabited it and the cave art it preserves. It is organised into six areas, ranging from “a jewel of Palaeolithic art” to “World Heritage”, and including hunters and artists and a rock panel more than 20,000 years old.
The centre offers guided tours, multilingual audio guides via a mobile app, a handheld guide and school and group programmes, including adapted visits. The cave visit is booked separately, and the centre is where tickets are bought or validated.
Highlights
- Six-area permanent exhibition on the Tito Bustillo cave
- Guided tour of about 45 minutes
- Multilingual audio guides via a mobile app
- Handheld guide in Braille and tactile plates
- Free admission on Wednesdays
- Ticket sales and validation point for the cave
Permanent exhibition
- Exposición permanente – Six areas on the discovery, geology, inhabitants, art and World Heritage status of the Tito Bustillo cave.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5.45 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.29Groups of 20 or more people, children aged 4 to 11, people over 65, large families, people with accredited disabilities, holders of the International Student Card, ICOM members, and holders of several passports and cards (Pasaporte Rupestre, Club Cultura, Pasaporte Cultural, Carnet Escolar, hostel membership card, Carné Joven Europeo, Club Infantil de Caja Rural, Pasaporte de Museos de Ciencia Ruta Norte). |
| Children & teens | €3.29free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 11: reduced admission. Free admission for children aged 0 to 3. |
| Seniors | €3.29People over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €3.29People with accredited disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €3.29With International Student Card. |
| Groups (20+ people) | €3.29 per personGroups of 20 or more people. School groups and official guides enter free with a prior request (only for the visit to the centre and the cave during the opening season). |
| Families | –Large families receive reduced admission. |
Free admission: Admission is free on Wednesdays.
Discount on admission when presenting a ticket from the Museo del Jurásico de Asturias, the Parque de la Prehistoria de Teverga, Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura or the Museo Etnográfico de Grandas de Salime (discount per ticket and person; the ticket is valid for one year). The Tito Bustillo cave is charged separately.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description
Accessible exterior and main entrance with no level changes; wide corridors and circulation areas; lift adapted for all floors; accessible toilets; double-height reception counter; wheelchairs available on request at reception. Induction loop at reception and three loops with a mobile transmitter for the guided tour; subtitled and narrated audiovisuals; handheld guide in Braille with colour contrast and tactile plates; videos in Spanish Sign Language on the centre’s YouTube channel; communication book; adapted workshops. Groups including people with disabilities should contact the centre to adapt the visit. Reserved parking spaces near the centre.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Reduced admission for ages 4 to 11 and free admission up to age 3; handheld guides and audio guides suitable for children; guided tour with a workshop for groups.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus (check timetables with Alsa) and the narrow-gauge Renfe train on the Oviedo–Santander line to Ribadesella.
By car
Spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility near the centre.
- Accessible parking
From the A-8, take exit 326 (west entrance to Ribadesella) or 319 (east entrance). The Avenida de Tito Bustillo leads to the cave, and the centre is 300 metres beyond it. Visitors must first go to the centre to buy or validate their tickets.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | For a self-guided visit an hour is recommended; a handheld guide is handed out when you buy your ticket. Guided tour (about 45 minutes): February to June and September to December, on weekends and opening public holidays at 13:00; in July and August, Wednesday to Sunday at 11:30, 12:30, 16:30 and 17:30. The slot is chosen when buying the ticket. In November, December and February there are guided tours or workshops in English or French (level B1). Groups need advance booking and can choose guided tours with a workshop or accessible visits. |
