Rialia Industria Museoa
Museum in Portugalete that traces, over four floors, the iron industry, working life, the ría (estuary) and the history of the town.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Rialia was founded in 2006 with the aim of creating a museum devoted to industry that would remember and preserve the industrial heritage of Bizkaia between the late 19th and the late 20th century. Today it aims to be a reference point for the industrial legacy of the Margen Izquierda, for the interpretation of the ría and of the town of Portugalete, and a means of understanding the Basque history of the last two centuries through industry.
The exhibition route is designed as a sensory and participatory experience, with new technologies, accessibility and interactivity. It can be followed in three languages (Basque, Spanish and English) and is organised by theme over four floors: on the fourth, Portugalete and the maritime landscape; on the third, the world of work on the ría and industry; on the second, the iron industry, the art collection and the documentation centre; and on the first, the model of Altos Hornos de Vizcaya, with photography, literature, music and games.
The art collection brings together works with an industrial theme from the 19th and 20th centuries from companies such as Altos Hornos de Vizcaya or Babcock & Wilcox, on loan from SEPI, together with the ethnographic collection of the Transbordador de Bizkaia and the collection of the Portugalete town council. In 2026 the museum celebrates its twentieth anniversary and has opened an immersive audiovisual room.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition over four floors on sea, iron and Portugalete
- Model of Altos Hornos de Vizcaya
- Industrial art collection with holdings from Altos Hornos de Vizcaya and Babcock & Wilcox
- Sensory route with panels, videos, QR codes and audio guides
- Special guided visits at weekends
Permanent exhibition
- Exposición permanente: Mar, Hierro y Portugalete – Route over four floors covering the maritime landscape and the ría, the world of work, the iron industry and the history of Portugalete, with an art collection and a model of Altos Hornos de Vizcaya.
- Founded
- 2006
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1.50Carné Joven, Carné Museos de la Costa Vasca, Carné Itsasmuseum, retirees and accredited pilgrims |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 13 · Free admission for under-14s. |
| Seniors | freeFree admission for people over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for people with a disability of 33% or more. |
| Students & apprentices | freeFree admission for teachers and students. |
| Groups | –Guided visits for groups of up to 20 people; check the conditions at the museum. |
| Weekend guided visit (supplement) | €1Added to the corresponding admission; groups of 3 to 15 people. |
Free admission: Every Tuesday, except public holidays
Free admission also for ICOM members, unemployed people, official tour guides and those taking part in Museoak barrutik.
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
The museum has a lift and an accessible toilet, and lends wheelchairs and seats for walking-stick users. Only guide dogs are admitted. The route includes sensory elements (sight, hearing, smell and touch).
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 13 |
|---|
- Baby changing facilities
Baby-changing facilities and seats for walking-stick users available on loan. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Activity programme for schools.
Getting there & parking
The museum is on the Paseo de La Canilla in Portugalete.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Coat check
- Lockers
Cloakroom and lockers at the entrance; backpacks, suitcases and umbrellas cannot be taken in.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography and filming are permitted without tripods or flash. |
| Good to know | Self-guided route without booking, with panels, videos and QR codes. Guided visits for groups (maximum 20 people) in Spanish, Basque and English. Special weekend visits: Saturdays at 11:30 in Spanish and 16:30 in Basque; Sundays at 11:30 in English (every other week); booking by phone or by arriving 5 minutes beforehand; groups of 3 to 15 people. Entry with animals (except guide dogs), food or drink is not permitted. |
