Discover the Most Iconic Museums in Vitoria-Gasteiz

The 9 Best Museums in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Fine Arts Museum of Vitoria

Located in the Augustin-Zulueta Palace, a stately Renaissance-style building, this museum is just a 10-minute walk from Kora Green City.

Opening Hours:

• Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00h a 14:00h y de 16:00h a 18:30h
• Sundays: 11:00h a 14:00h.
• Closed on Mondays.

This museum houses an important collection of Basque art from 1850 to 1950 on the ground floor. The first floor is dedicated to costumbrist painter Ignacio Díaz de Olano, while the second features rooms focused on Fernando de Amézola and a selection of Spanish painting.

Highlights:

• Admire the exterior with its pinnacles and intricate decorations.
• Stroll through the lobby and its majestic carved wooden staircase.
• Explore the permanent collection with works on loan from the Prado Museum.
• Wander the gardens with sculptures by Basque artists and Romanesque pieces.

Free admission.

Fournier Playing Card Museum – Bendaña Palace

Visitors can explore the evolution of playing card design from the 15th century to the present, with decks from all over the world. The museum also tells the story of Fournier, the iconic Vitoria-based playing card manufacturer.

Álava Archaeology Museum

Spread over three floors, this museum features more than 1,500 archaeological artifacts, ranging from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages.

Don’t miss:

• The arched interior courtyard of Bendaña Palace
• The cylindrical tower on the façade
• The original machinery used by Heraclio Fournier
• A full journey through the historical stages of Álava
• A culinary break in nearby traditional bars and local shops

Vitoria Natural Science Museum

Located in the city center, just 12 minutes from Kora Green City. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. Free admission.

The museum is divided into three floors:

• Ground floor: exhibit on amber deposits from the Early Cretaceous.
• First floor: Mesozoic marine fossils and a standout mineral collection.
• Second floor: Biology and zoology of the Álava province.

There’s also a temporary exhibition hall focused on current scientific topics.

Vitoria Weapons Museum

Located near La Florida Park, about 10 minutes on foot from Kora Green City. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Free admission.

This museum offers a fascinating journey through military history via unique artifacts:

• Prehistoric and medieval weapons found in Vitoria’s upper town excavations.
• 15th-century and later pieces.
• Weapons used in the Battle of Vitoria (1813).
• Arab, Central African, and Eastern weaponry.
• Uniforms, medals, decorations, and historical coins.

Though focused on European arms, the international scope provides insight into global military heritage—a must-visit for history and weaponry enthusiasts.

Artium – Basque Museum of Contemporary Art

Located on Francia Street, near the historic quarter, 15 minutes walking from Kora Green City. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Symbolic general admission fee, with free entry on select days.

Home to over 2,800 works of contemporary art by major artists such as Eduardo Chillida, Cristina Iglesias, Néstor Basterretxea, Jorge Oteiza, Esther Ferrer, Mari Puri Herrero, José Antonio Sistiaga, Antoni Tàpies, and Susana Solano.

Artium stands out for:

• Its modern architecture and spacious galleries.
• An outdoor sculpture garden.
• Spaces dedicated to research, education, and artistic reflection.

Its dynamic temporary exhibitions span generations and disciplines, showcasing both national and international talent.

Accommodation in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference when it comes to fully enjoying everything Vitoria-Gasteiz has to offer. A central location, good public transport connections, and the ease of moving between museums, parks, and dining areas are key to a complete experience in the Basque capital.

Kora Green City is the ideal option for those looking for comfort, flexibility, and sustainability. This next-generation aparthotel is perfect for both leisure getaways and business trips, offering all the comforts of home with the services of a modern hotel.

Whether for a short stay or a longer visit, Kora Green City offers:

• Fully equipped studios and apartments with kitchen, private bathroom, and relaxation area.
• Common spaces to work, unwind, or socialize.
• Bike rental service to explore the city at your own pace.
• Strategic location, just minutes’ walk from Vitoria’s top museums.
• Exclusive access to our “Secret Guide” with authentic local tips and cultural recommendations.

From here, getting around the city is easy and quick, making it the perfect base to visit museums, attend cultural events, or simply enjoy the calm and green charm of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Museums in Vitoria Perfect for Visiting with Kids

Vitoria-Gasteiz is not only a paradise for lovers of art, history, and culture, but also a perfect destination for family travel. The city has successfully adapted its cultural spaces for younger audiences, turning its museums into interactive, engaging, and stimulating places where children can learn through play.

Many museums in Vitoria offer educational workshops, interactive exhibits, and activities specifically designed to spark children’s curiosity. The goal is clear: for kids to enjoy themselves just as much as adults and experience culture as a fun adventure.

One of the most recommended spaces is the Museum of Natural Sciences, where little ones can marvel at real fossils, Cretaceous amber, shiny minerals, and dinosaur remains found in Alava’s excavation sites. Exhibits are complemented by audiovisuals, tactile zones, and educational resources that make the visit a true scientific adventure.

Also worth highlighting is the Bibat Museum, home to both the Archaeology Museum and the Fournier Playing Card Museum. In the archaeology section, families can join themed tours about life in Prehistoric or Roman times. In the playing card section, children can explore decks from all over the world and participate in creative workshops to design their own cards.

Artium, the Basque Museum of Contemporary Art, also embraces this educational mission with programs tailored to young audiences: hands-on workshops, storytelling inspired by artworks, sensory games, and guided visits that introduce contemporary art to kids in a playful way.

In short, the museums of Vitoria-Gasteiz are a fantastic plan for everyone—whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or especially with children. These are places where you can learn, play, and discover together the cultural richness of a city that values education, creativity, and family enjoyment.