Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro de Vitoria-Gasteiz

About the museum

The museum opened in 1999 in the ambulatory of the Cathedral of María Inmaculada, known as the New Cathedral, after years of attempts to bring together the sacred art of Álava in one place. Since the 19th century several institutions had formed collections, and in 1923 a diocesan museum was opened in the Seminario Conciliar (Conciliar Seminary). In the 1940s part of the diocese's works were deposited in the Casa de Álava, today the seat of the Museo de Bellas Artes, where they remained for almost sixty years.

In 1997 the Provincial Council (Diputación Foral) and the Bishopric of Vitoria agreed to create the museum of sacred art. A unique collection of 424 pieces was assembled from the classical art of the Provincial Council and the works of the diocese, with new additions from churches in the province and from some private owners. Today the museum belongs to the diocese, is listed in the Euskadi Museums Register and receives a grant of 50% from the Provincial Council.

The route runs through the ambulatory, with the chapels converted into rooms, and is organised in six chronological sections according to materials: stone, wood, panel, canvas, silver and others. Works by Flemish masters, El Greco, José de Ribera and Alonso Cano are exhibited. The cathedral, in neo-Gothic style, was designed to plans by Javier Luque and Julián Apraiz and built between 1907 and 1969.

Highlights

• Works by Flemish masters, El Greco, José de Ribera and Alonso Cano
• Treasure of the Monastery of Quejana, with Gothic goldwork
• Calvary of Ziriano, a 14th-century relief
• Neapolitan nativity scene (Nacimiento napolitano)
• Ambulatory chapels converted into exhibition rooms

Permanent exhibition

• Colección de arte sacro en la girola – Six chronological sections by material (stone, wood, panel, canvas, silver and others), with works from the pre-Romanesque period to the 20th century.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Diócesis de Vitoria (subvencionado por la Diputación Foral de Álava)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

Access through the south door of the transept, with a large staircase and a wide ramp to its right, and wide automatic doors up to the museum entrance. Adapted toilets. Wheelchair loan on request at reception. Guided tours adapted for people or groups with special needs. The cathedral car park has spaces for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum runs educational programmes for children and adults, with workshops for all ages and workshop-visits for schoolchildren.

Getting there & parking

Taxi rank on Calle Monseñor Cadena y Eleta, opposite the entrance. Entrance through the south door of the transept, facing the Florida park.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Museum shop in the hall, with objects related to the collection and publications. Left-luggage for backpacks, bags, motorcycle helmets and small suitcases.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit