Museo de Pasos de Semana Santa de Bilbao
Museum with the processional floats of Bilbao's nine brotherhoods, housed in the former wine warehouse (alhóndiga) of the Casco Viejo.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo de Pasos de Semana Santa de Bilbao opened on 7 March 2001 and displays an important part of the history of the nine penitential brotherhoods of the town. The Hermandad de Cofradías (Council of Brotherhoods), Bilbao City Council and the Diputación Foral de Bizkaia (Bizkaia Provincial Council) took part in its creation. It has more than 800 square metres of exhibition space at No. 3 Calle Iturribide.
The building, in neoclassical style and dating from the 18th century, was built as a wine warehouse, which explains its large gate through which carts passed. It later served as a coal store and a donkey hire house, which is why it is affectionately known as “La Burrería” (the donkey house). It was abandoned for much of the 20th century until, in the 1990s and on the initiative of the brotherhood, it was converted first into a store for floats, from 1998, and then into a museum. It is considered a building of cultural interest.
On the first floor rest the floats that make up the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) of the Passion of Christ. On the ground floor are displayed carvings and litters of images that remain in use for worship in their churches, and each brotherhood has its own space where its history, robes, insignia, banners and other objects that give it personality are shown. According to the museum, it is the only museum of its kind in the Basque Country.
Highlights
- Floats of the Via Crucis of the Passion of Christ on the first floor
- Its own space for each of Bilbao's nine brotherhoods
- Neoclassical 18th-century building, former wine warehouse
- More than 800 square metres of exhibition space
- Nativity scene exhibition at Christmas
Permanent exhibitions
- Pasos del Vía Crucis de la Pasión – On the first floor rest the processional floats representing scenes of the Passion of Christ, including El Prendimiento (The Arrest), La Coronación de Espinas (The Crowning with Thorns) and El Descendimiento (The Descent from the Cross).
- Espacios de las cofradías – On the ground floor each brotherhood shows its history, robes, insignia and banners, alongside carvings and litters of images that remain on display for worship in their churches.
- Founded
- 2001
- Operated by
- Hermandad de Cofradías Penitenciales de la Villa de Bilbao
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 9 · Under-10s free. |
| Seniors | freePensioners free. |
| Groups | €1 per personGroups: €1 per person. |
Free admission for pensioners and for children under 10.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum's rules state that there is access for people with disabilities; only guide dogs are admitted as animals.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 9 |
|---|
- Baby changing facilities
Children must always stay with adults.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Casco Viejo (Metro Bilbao)
Bilbao Metro: Casco Viejo station (Unamuno exit). Euskotran: Ribera stop.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check
According to the museum's rules: cloakroom, shop, toilets and baby-changing facilities.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Flash photography is not permitted. |
| Good to know | Individual or group guided visits are requested by email at info@museodepasosbilbao.com. The works may not be touched. |
