Museo de la Industria Armera
Municipal museum of Eibar on the town’s arms-making tradition, with an exhibition of firearms and another on its industrial development.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The origin of the museum goes back to the early 20th century, when a group of Eibar residents promoted the Escuela de Armería (gunsmiths’ school) and a museum that would serve as an educational tool and a showcase for the local industry. The school building, which also housed the museum, opened on 24 June 1914. At first it held 580 long and short firearms and six models of edged weapons, from local manufacturers, the Pruebas de Armas proof house, private individuals and the Ministry of War.
Around 1960 the collection was in very poor condition, and between 1961 and 1964 a commission of veteran gunsmiths reorganised it and expanded it with donations from arsenals and factories. Until 2000 the museum was housed in the premises of the Escuela de Armería; that year the institution came under the authority of Eibar town council. In 2007 the council acquired the firearms collection of the company Star, Bonifacio Echeverría S. A., and today the municipal collection has some 1,000 pieces.
The current museum opened on 18 January 2007 with the arms galleries, and the remaining spaces opened on 13 May 2009. It occupies 1,200 m² on the fifth floor of the Centro Cultural Portalea, in the heart of the town, and 1,000 m² are devoted to the exhibition. Its focus is the arms collection and the products made in Eibar, such as bicycles, motorcycles and sewing machines, with a route through the industrial development of the town from the 14th century to the present day.
Highlights
- Arms collection, from the first portable firearms to automatic weapons
- Exhibition on the development of Eibar’s industry
- Display of damascening
- 3D and 360-degree views of pieces on the website
- Escape room and educational games at the museum
Permanent exhibitions
- Armagintza (Armería) – Traces the evolution of weapons, from the first portable firearms to automatic ones.
- Industria – Reviews the history of Eibar through the development of its industry.
- Founded
- 1914
- Operated by
- Ayuntamiento de Eibar
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50Pensioners, unemployed people and students under 26, with prior accreditation. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · Free admission for children under 7. |
| Seniors | €1.50Pensioners, with accreditation. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities, with prior accreditation, and for their assistant. |
| Students & apprentices | €1.50Students under 26, with accreditation. |
| Groups (9+ people) | €2 per personGroups of more than 8 people: €2 per person. |
| Guided visit for groups of 18 to 22 people (admission not included) | €40 |
| Guided visit for small groups (admission included) | €73 |
| Escape room (per session) | €83 |
| Audio guide | €2 |
Free admission: Thursdays (Museum Day). Also free for Eibar’s schools.
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 ensures access for people with reduced mobility and has a wheelchair, which can be requested at the cloakroom. The audio guides can be consulted on the website.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
The educational programme includes an escape room, the treasure hunt “Altxorraren bila” and other teaching materials.
Getting there & parking
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
The museum has no car park of its own for visitors; there are two car parks in the vicinity.
The museum is on the fifth floor of the Centro Cultural Portalea, in the town centre of Eibar, near the church of San Andrés.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Shop with gift items and publications on weapons; cloakroom for umbrellas, large bags and backpacks; rest area, screening room and documentation centre. Food, animals and plants may not be brought in.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided visits for schools, groups and individuals. Audio guides are available at reception or on the visitor’s own mobile phone. |
