Museo Barandiaran
Museum dedicated to the life and work of the anthropologist José Miguel de Barandiaran in the Larruntza mill in Ataun.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Barandiaran Museum is in the San Gregorio district of Ataun, in the Larruntza mill, a building more than five centuries old which the Basque Government declared a monumental complex in 2003. It is dedicated to José Miguel de Barandiaran, a priest, ethnologist, anthropologist and archaeologist born in Ataun in 1889 and died in 1991, regarded as one of the great researchers of the 20th century and the father of Basque mythology.
The exterior retains its old appearance, but the interior incorporates modern technology. On the upper floor, an audiovisual and a biographical room with touchscreens and videos tell the story of Barandiaran's life. On the ground floor, the importance of his archaeological and ethnographic work is explained with replicas, videos and other resources. Next to the mill there is a second mill, Errotatxo, and a water-powered sawmill, which can be seen in operation during guided visits.
The museum is part of the network of parketxes of the Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa, managed by Gipuzkoanatura. It works as an information point on the routes of Ataun and the Aralar Natural Park, in collaboration with the parketxe of Lizarrusti, with which it forms the so-called Parketxe Extendido de Aralar. It offers a broad programme of activities and educational offers for all ages, almost always related to Basque culture, mythology, archaeology and ethnography.
Highlights
- Life and work of José Miguel de Barandiaran with audiovisual and touchscreens
- Replicas and videos on his archaeological and ethnographic work
- Larruntza mill, Errotatxo mill and water-powered sawmill in operation
- Mythology challenge game through the San Gregorio district
- Visit to the Sara house and the Sara Route
Permanent exhibition
- Vida y obra de José Miguel de Barandiaran – Exhibition on two floors on the researcher's biography and his archaeological and ethnographic work, with audiovisuals, touchscreens and replicas.
- Operated by
- Diputación Foral de Gipuzkoa (Gipuzkoanatura)
Admission & discounts
| Children & teens | –On the guided visit to the museum and mill, children aged 5 to 12 pay €3. |
|---|---|
| Guided visit to the museum and the old mill (1.5 hours) | €4Children aged 5 to 12: €3. The mill and sawmill are seen in operation. |
| Milling and talo-making workshop (1.5 hours) | €5Children aged 3 to 12: €5. Groups of fewer than 25 people: €125. |
| Mythology challenge around San Gregorio (1.5 hours) | €6Children aged 3 to 12: €4. |
| Visit to the museum and Sara house (2 hours) | €6Over 14s: €6. Groups of fewer than 25 people: €150. |
| Sara Route (guided walk of about 4.4 km, 3 hours) | €6Children aged 3 to 12: €4. Groups of fewer than 25 people: €150. |
Prices for guided activities are published by Gipuzkoanatura; the website does not state an individual entrance fee.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
There are activities for children aged 3 to 12: a milling and talo-making workshop (talo is a Basque maize flatbread) and a mythology challenge through the San Gregorio district.
Getting there & parking
To reach Ataun, leave the N-1 at Beasain and take the GI-120 in the direction of Lazkao; from Navarre access is via the NA-120. The museum is about 3 km from the San Martín district, where the town hall is located.
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 |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided visits, family activities and educational offers for early years, primary, secondary and upper secondary. Bookings by phone (943 180 335) or by email. |
