Laboratorium Museoa
Science outreach museum in Bergara, in the Errekalde palace, with the collection of the Real Seminario and the history of the discovery of wolfram.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Laboratorium is Bergara's science museum. It is housed in the Errekalde palace, a building of medieval origin transformed into a neoclassical palace with historic gardens, which holds the collection of the Real Seminario de Bergara. In the 18th century the town was an important centre of the Enlightenment, and in 1783 the Elhuyar brothers discovered wolfram, or tungsten, in the Seminary's laboratories, a finding with international impact.
The museum opened in 2015 with the aim of bringing science closer to society and encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and scientific vocations, especially among children and young people. It is conceived not as a simple exhibition room but as a living laboratory, where the history of science engages with the present and visitors can experiment and ask questions. In 2018 the European Physical Society named it an EPS Historic Site, the third site in Spain to receive that distinction.
The permanent exhibition brings together 232 original scientific instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries, 19th-century anatomical models used to teach medicine, zoological collections and a geological collection begun in 1777, with 369 fossils and 1,181 minerals. The route is completed by an interactive 3D module on the North Atlantic right whale.
Highlights
- 232 original scientific instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries
- 19th-century anatomical models from the Real Seminario de Bergara
- Geological collection begun in 1777, with 369 fossils and 1,181 minerals
- Interactive 3D module on the Basque whale
- Site of the discovery of wolfram, recognised as an EPS Historic Site
- “Escape the Museum” escape room
Permanent exhibitions
- Instrumentos científicos – 232 original scientific instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries that reflect the experimental tradition of the Real Seminario de Bergara.
- Anatomía humana – 19th-century anatomical models used to teach medicine at the Real Seminario de Bergara.
- Colecciones geológicas – A historic collection begun in 1777, with 369 fossils and 1,181 minerals linked to the first mineralogical research.
- Founded
- 2015
- Operated by
- Ayuntamiento de Bergara
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4.40 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.25Large families, students, people over 65, recipients of the DSBP benefit and non-contributory pensioners. |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 13 · Free admission for children under 14. |
| Seniors | €2.25People over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with disabilities. |
| Students & apprentices | €2.25 |
| Groups (8+ people) | €2.80 per personGroups of at least 8 people: €2.80 per person. |
| Escape the Museum (per person) | €3.75First Saturday of each month at 17:00; from 12 years old. |
Free admission: International Museum Day (18 May). Free admission also for holders of the Gazte Txartela (EYCA) and the ICOM card, unemployed people and teachers.
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 Gertu Kultura programme offers inclusive activities, including a sensory experience adapted for people with Alzheimer's. The website does not give details of physical access conditions.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 13 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Workshops, educational itineraries and the “Escape the Museum” escape room (from 12 years old, with family or friends); interactive modules in the exhibition.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided visits to the permanent exhibition and around Bergara on scheduled dates. Educational programme for primary, secondary, baccalaureate, vocational training and adult education. The 60-minute “Escape the Museum” escape room, for groups of 5 to 10 people, is booked by telephone on +34 943 769 003 or at laboratorium@bergara.eus. |
