Ur mara Museoa

About the museum

The Ur mara museum was created in 2010 by the Basque sculptor Koldobika Jauregi (1959–2024) together with his partner Elena Cajaraville. It grew out of the experience both had over several years at the German museum Insel Hombroich, within the project “arte paralelo a la naturaleza” (art parallel to nature). It presents itself as an experimental and collaborative space where art, nature and human beings intertwine.

The museum is located in a native forest of beech, oak, ash, chestnut and birch, in the rural area of Tolosaldea. A simple route, signposted with notices and panels, leads between sculptures and installations, a natural auditorium and ethnographic remains such as an old lime kiln beside a small limestone quarry. Other spaces include the Negutegia, a greenhouse of 100 square metres for exhibitions, concerts and workshops, and the Thoreau space, built in 1992 and inspired by the philosophy of natural living and the writings of Henry David Thoreau. There is also a kitchen garden with the plants from which fibres are extracted to make handmade paper.

The permanent open-air exhibition brings together thirty large-format sculptures in Basque marbles from Lastur and Markina. The museum also holds more than five hundred works by Koldobika Jauregi, including pieces from his figurative and German periods, toys, models, architectural projects, writings and graphic works, which are shown in temporary exhibitions. Management falls to the Asociación Cultural Ur mara, which runs an annual programme of art, philosophy and nature activities.

Highlights

• Thirty large-format sculptures in Basque marble, in the open air
• Signposted route through a native forest
• Thoreau space and natural auditorium
• Negutegia greenhouse for exhibitions and concerts
• Collection of more than 500 works by Koldobika Jauregi

Permanent exhibition

• Esculturas de Koldobika Jauregi al aire libre (exposición permanente) – Thirty large-format sculptures in Basque marbles from Lastur and Markina, spread through the museum’s forest.

Founded

2010

Operated by

Asociación Cultural Ur mara

Admission & discounts

Admission of €10 for the visit without a guide, which requires an appointment.

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 route runs through a forest; walking boots are recommended. The Negutegia greenhouse, at the start of the museum, is one of the most accessible spaces.

Kids & families

Under-14s do not pay on the guided visit.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The site has two compostable dry toilets.

Events & venue rental

The museum offers cultural management services and may lend the space for activities in line with its values; enquire with the museum.

Plan your visit