Did you know that you can visit several museums in Biscay free of charge? If you’re spending a few days in Gorliz or looking for a different cultural getaway, we’ve selected a range of museums that offer free admission all year round or on specific days and at certain times.
From art and archaeology to maritime history and Basque traditions, these museums are a great way to discover another side of Biscay while enjoying a budget-friendly day out.
📍 Tip: Before your visit, always check the opening hours on each museum’s official website, as they may change due to temporary exhibitions, public holidays or seasonal schedules.
🗺️ Free Museums in Biscay at a Glance
| Museum | Location | When is it free? |
|---|---|---|
| Plasentia de Butrón Museum | Plentzia | Always |
| Bilbao Fine Arts Museum | Bilbao | Currently free during the renovation works |
| Arkeologi Museoa | Bilbao | Fridays |
| Euskal Museoa Bilbao | Bilbao | Wednesdays |
| Itsasmuseum Bilbao | Bilbao | Sundays from 5:00 pm* |
| Euskal Herria Museoa | Gernika-Lumo | Saturdays |
* Please check the current conditions on the museum’s official website before your visit.
🏛️ Plasentia de Butrón Museum (Plentzia)
🎟️ Admission: Free.
🕒 Opening hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Located just a few minutes from Gorliz, this museum is the perfect place to discover the history of Plentzia and its close connection to the sea. Housed in the town’s former Town Hall, it features ship models, navigation instruments, historical photographs and a wide range of objects linked to the area’s rich maritime heritage.
💙 If you’re visiting Gorliz, this is one of the closest and most worthwhile cultural excursions.
🎨 Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
🎟️ Admission: Currently free while the museum’s extension works are underway.
🕒 Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
One of Spain’s most important museums and a cultural landmark in Biscay, it houses an outstanding collection of works by leading Spanish and international artists, as well as fascinating temporary exhibitions.
If you haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect opportunity to rediscover it while the permanent collection remains free to the public.
⛏️ Arkeologi Museoa (Bilbao)
🎟️ Free admission: Every Friday.
🕒 Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Sundays and public holidays from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Can you imagine travelling back thousands of years without leaving Biscay? At Arkeologi Museoa you’ll discover how the region’s first inhabitants lived through original artefacts, archaeological finds and reconstructions that trace Biscay’s history from Prehistory to the Middle Ages.
It’s a highly recommended visit for both adults and families.
🌿 Euskal Museoa Bilbao
🎟️ Free admission: Every Wednesday (Museum Day).
🕒 Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
If you’d like to discover the essence of Basque culture, this museum is a must-see. Its exhibitions explore traditional customs, crafts, festivals and the history of the Basque Country through a renewed and engaging collection.
Located in the heart of Bilbao’s Old Town, it’s the perfect excuse to continue your visit by strolling through the famous Seven Streets and soaking up the local atmosphere.
⚓ Itsasmuseum Bilbao
🎟️ Free admission: Sundays from 5:00 pm for all visitors. Other free admission options are also available; please check the museum’s official website for details.
🕒 Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Bilbao’s history cannot be understood without its estuary. At this museum you’ll discover how navigation, shipbuilding and maritime trade shaped the city over the centuries.
Before you leave, don’t miss the iconic Carola Crane, one of the city’s most recognisable symbols of its industrial heritage.
🌳 Euskal Herria Museoa (Gernika-Lumo)
🎟️ Free admission: Every Saturday.
🕒 Opening hours: From April to October, Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. From November to March, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sundays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please check the latest opening hours before your visit.
Located in the historic Alegría Palace, next to the Assembly House and the Tree of Gernika, this museum invites visitors to discover the history, culture and traditions of the Basque Country through its permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Make the most of your visit by exploring Gernika-Lumo and discovering some of the most historically and symbolically significant places in Biscay.
🌊 Discover Biscay from Gorliz
Gorliz is much more than beaches and nature. Thanks to its privileged location, it’s the perfect starting point for discovering some of Biscay’s most interesting museums, exploring charming towns and enjoying cultural experiences all year round.
✨ Would you like to discover even more of what our region has to offer?
At Visit Gorliz, you’ll find hiking trails, beaches, cultural heritage, gastronomy, events and many more ideas to help you plan an unforgettable getaway.
👉 Keep exploring our website and let yourself be surprised by everything Gorliz and Biscay have to offer. We look forward to welcoming you!
