Museo de Reproducciones de Bilbao

About the museum

The museum was created following a motion by Manuel Ramírez Escudero, and in 1927 its first Board of Trustees was formed, with the Diputación Foral de Bizkaia and Bilbao City Council as joint patrons. Its first home was the Escuelas de Berastegui (1930–1955); it then moved to the former Escuelas de San Francisco, where it remained until 2006 despite problems with damp.

Since 2006 it has occupied the former Corazón de María church. It began without a collection of its own and built one with pieces from the catalogue of the Museo Nacional de Reproducciones and with purchases from workshops that make reproductions for European museums, until it had gathered one of the best collections of its kind. Since 2013 it has been part of Bilbao Bizkaia Museoak, the body that also runs the Museo Vasco.

Admission includes a visit to the archaeological site of the Plaza del Corazón de María, which preserves remains of the former San Francisco convent, dating from the late 15th century, and of the barracks built on top of it in the 19th century.

Highlights

• Reproductions of sculptures and works from antiquity
• Pieces from major European museums brought together in one place
• Former Corazón de María church as the venue
• Visit to the Plaza del Corazón de María archaeological site included
• Temporary exhibitions with an educational space for under-6s

Permanent exhibitions

• Colección de reproducciones – Reproductions of sculptures and other works from antiquity and from major European museums, displayed in the former church.
• Yacimiento de la Plaza del Corazón de María – Archaeological remains of the San Francisco convent and of the 19th-century barracks beneath the square, open to visit with the same ticket.

Founded

1927

Operated by

Bilbao Bizkaia Museoak

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every Thursday (Museum Day).

Free admission for under-12s, teachers and people with disabilities. The ticket is also valid for the Plaza del Corazón de María site, which requires advance booking except in summer. The website does not specify which groups are entitled to the reduced rate.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 website does not give details of physical accessibility. It offers activities for groups with functional diversity (for example “Criaturas fantásticas”, “Campeones olímpicos” and “Somos griegos”) and free admission for people with disabilities. Enquiries: 946 790 255.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Family activity booklet for Holy Week (from age 8), Christmas workshops for children aged 6 to 10, and activity sheets available at reception or for download (“Tú favorita”, for ages 6 to 10, and “Conociendo a los griegos”, for ages 10 to 12). Each temporary exhibition has a small educational space for children under 6.

Getting there & parking

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