MATER Barco Museo Ecoactivo

About the museum

MATER is a 33-metre wooden Basque bonito boat, which the Etxegoien family of fishermen from Getaria had built in 1990 using traditional techniques. The hull was built in San Esteban de Pravia (Asturias) and the fitting-out was completed in Zumaia; it was the last boat of this type built in wood in the Basque Country. For a little over a decade it fished anchovy, mackerel, sardine and albacore in the Bay of Biscay, and in 2003 it took part, together with the rest of the fleet, in the clean-up after the Prestige oil spill.

That same year it was due to be scrapped, but the association Itsas Gela saved it and converted it into a boat museum, moored at Pasaia San Pedro. It keeps the traditional structure of the bonito boats, with its rigging, cabins and wheelhouse, and its holds have been adapted into rooms for museum and educational use. The name, which means “mother” in Latin, is the one its owners gave it.

Today MATER presents itself as an eco-active boat museum: as well as showing life on board and traditional fishing, it promotes responsible consumption and care of the sea. It offers two guided visits, the fishing visit and the eco-active visit, both including an albacore pintxo, and organises activities, trips out to sea and programmes for schools and companies. During the visits the boat does not sail.

Highlights

• Last large wooden Basque bonito boat, built in 1990
• Wheelhouse, deck, hold, galley and bunks of the fishing boat
• Fishing visit: traditional Basque fishing from the inside
• Eco-active visit: caring for the sea on board
• Albacore pintxo included in the visit

Permanent exhibitions

• Barco museo MATER – Tour of the wooden bonito boat with permanent exhibition, interactive rooms, wheelhouse, machinery and observation point.
• Visita pesquera – Guided tour of the wheelhouse, deck, hold, galley and cabins to learn about traditional Basque fishing and responsible consumption.
• Visita ecoactiva – Dynamic tour of the corners of the boat to understand the importance of the sea and take away a plan of sustainable habits.

Operated by

Asociación Itsas Gela

Admission & discounts

Free admission for children under 5, professional fishermen and teachers accompanying their group. Discounts: 10% with the DonostiCard, as well as the Basque Coast Museums Card and the museum passes and promotions of Oarsoaldea (purchased at the ticket office). Payment is made in cash at the point of sale or by bank transfer; cards are not accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Because of the limitations of a boat, the visit may be difficult for people with mobility problems; the museum does its best to be as accessible as possible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The activity programme is designed for families; only some activities require a minimum age (from 14 years). Some activities allow pets, as indicated in the programme.

Getting there & parking

The boat is moored at Pasaia San Pedro quay, on Calle Arraunlari.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The boat can be hired for cultural events, celebrations, private events, educational experiences and oceanographic research. It has multi-purpose rooms, an auditorium and a meeting room.

Plan your visit