Museo Fournier de Naipes de Álava

About the museum

The museum grew out of the playing-card collection that Félix Alfaro Fournier, grandson of Heraclio Fournier, founder of the playing-card factory in Vitoria-Gasteiz, began to assemble in 1916, starting with a pair of 19th-century packs found in his grandfather's office. Over the years the collection grew through purchases, donations and exchanges with other collectors. A milestone was the purchase at auction, in 1970, of the Thomas De La Rue collection, which was held by the British Museum and included some of the oldest examples in Europe.

In 1984 the Diputación Foral de Álava (Álava provincial government) acquired the collection, and from 1986 it was shown in several rooms of the present-day Museo de Bellas Artes de Álava. As the holdings and exhibition needs grew, the museum moved in 1994 to the Palacio de Bendaña, its current home.

The palace was built in the mid-16th century on a medieval tower, as the residence of the Arrieta-Maestu family, and retains galleries with arcades on three floors and a staircase covered by an octagonal starred vault. In the 20th century it served as a workshop and furniture showroom before the Diputación bought it. Since 1997 it has been listed as a Cultural Property (Bien Cultural), in the category of Monumental Ensemble, as part of the historic centre of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The holdings exceed 24,000 packs from the five continents, from medieval cards to present-day productions, with particular attention to the history of the Fournier company.

Highlights

• More than 24,000 packs from the five continents and all periods
• Courtyard with printing machinery from the former Fournier factory (wood engraving, lithography, offset)
• Medieval cards, such as a Provençal pack and a sheet from the Upper Rhine
• Themed rooms: heraldry, literature, geography, music, magic and tarot
• The 16th-century Renaissance Palacio de Bendaña

Permanent exhibition

• Exposición permanente de naipes – A selection of packs from around the world, from the Middle Ages to today, with printing techniques, the history of the Fournier company and themed rooms.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Diputación Foral de Álava

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Accessible entrances, toilets and lifts. Wheelchairs and walking-stick seats are free of charge and are requested at reception. Adapted counter, induction loop at reception and a kit with assistive reading aids.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum offers educational programmes, teaching workshops, family programmes and a games room. Children under 12 must enter accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Cloakroom available; bags, backpacks and parcels larger than 40 × 40 cm are not admitted into the rooms. Specialist library open by appointment (Tuesday to Friday, 10:00–14:00).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit