Museo de Arqueología de Álava

About the museum

Since 1975 the Museo de Arqueología de Álava has been the institution dedicated to conserving, cataloguing, displaying and disseminating the archaeological heritage of Álava. Its origins go back further: as early as the 18th century various local scholars and collectors tried to gather pieces, and interest grew after the discovery of the Eguilaz dolmen in 1832. At the beginning of the 20th century Federico Baraibar brought materials together in what was called the “Museo Incipiente”, and after the Civil War the Diputación Foral combined the scattered collections in the Palacio Augustin. In 1965 they were moved to the Casa de los Guevara-Gobeo-San Juan, in the historic centre, where the museum was founded.

Since 2009 it has occupied the building designed by the architect Patxi Mangado in the old town of Vitoria-Gasteiz, which it shares with the Museo Fournier de Naipes and which together with it forms the BIBAT complex. Both museums operate independently, although they collaborate and share spaces and activities. The L-shaped building was conceived as a chest to hold the archaeological treasures of Álava.

The permanent exhibition brings together around 1,500 pieces across three floors, from prehistory to the Middle Ages. The total collection is much larger, as the museum holds the materials from all archaeological interventions carried out in the historic territory since the late 19th century and handles the administrative procedures for Álava's archaeological sites.

Highlights

• About 1,500 pieces from prehistory to the Middle Ages
• Building by Patxi Mangado, opened in 2009
• Highlights such as the Dama de Iruña, the Errekaleor milestone and the excised boxes from La Hoya
• Downloadable audioguides and guided visits
• Free admission

Permanent exhibitions

• Prehistoria – First floor of the permanent exhibition, devoted to the prehistory of Álava.
• Edad del Hierro – Second floor of the permanent exhibition, devoted to the Iron Age.
• Mundo romano, Tardoantigüedad y Edad Media – Third floor of the permanent exhibition, with materials from the Roman period to the Middle Ages.

Founded

1975

Operated by

Diputación Foral de Álava

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum shares its building with the Museo Fournier de Naipes and has an auditorium and a specialised archaeology library (the latter open to researchers by appointment).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 100 guests.

Auditorium for 100 people. Use is subject to approval by the Dirección de Cultura, with priority for events on archaeology, history and culture; it is free if the event takes place while the museum is open.

Plan your visit