Museo de Ciencias Naturales Hontza
The only official natural sciences museum in Bizkaia, with more than 47,000 specimens of botany, fungi, geology, palaeontology and zoology.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Hontza Museoa grew out of the passion of its founder, Enrike Huerta, who from a young age studied, identified and catalogued specimens from all five continents, with the dream of creating a natural sciences museum in the Duranguesado. After some thirty years of work, the museum reopened its doors in November 2014 in Mañaria, becoming the first natural sciences museum open to the public in Bizkaia.
It is run by the Fundación Hontza Museoa, a non-profit foundation set up to liaise with institutions, other organisations and museums in the sector. Its collections exceed 47,000 catalogued specimens: invertebrates make up around 70%, geology and palaeontology 15%, vertebrates 10% and botany 5%. Much of the collection comes from donations by supporters, institutions and schools.
The permanent exhibition brings together around 2,000 specimens of botany, fungi, geology and zoology, arranged in 25 groups that show the diversity and beauty of nature. The museum also holds temporary exhibitions and has a specialist library with more than 3,000 books, journals and scientific articles, which can be consulted by prior appointment.
Highlights
- More than 47,000 specimens from all five continents
- Permanent exhibition with around 2,000 specimens in 25 groups
- Specialist library with more than 3,000 books, journals and articles
- Facilities accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Guided visits for school groups
Permanent exhibition
- Exposición permanente: zoología, paleontología y más – Around 2,000 specimens of botany, fungi, geology and zoology arranged in 25 groups that show the diversity of nature; located on the ground floor.
- Operated by
- Hontza Museoa Fundazioa
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Young people aged 12 to 15, pensioners, students, unemployed people and museum staff from Euskal Herria |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Under-12s free; they must be accompanied by an adult. |
| Students & apprentices | €3Reduced rate. School groups: €4 per pupil for Secondary Education and €3 per pupil for Primary Education; teachers free. |
| Groups | –Groups of 25 people at most. |
| School group, Secondary Education (per pupil) | €4Teachers free. |
| School group, Primary Education (per pupil) | €3Teachers free. |
Free admission also for ICOM members. Proof of eligibility is required for the reduced rate.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
The museum states that it is adapted and accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & 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 for schoolchildren and other groups are available with advance booking; contact the museum to arrange a date and time. |
