Basque Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basque Museum |
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General information | |
Type | Culture and leisure |
Location | Bilbao, Spain |
Completed | 1921 |
Technical details | |
Structural system | Steel superstructure with reinforced concrete floors |
The Basque Museum is a special place in Bilbao, Spain. Its full name used to be the Basque Archaeological, Ethnographic and Historical Museum. It first opened in 1921. The museum is inside an old building that was once a school called Colegio de San Andrés. This school belonged to a group called the Jesuits a long time ago.
The museum started small, using only the ground floor. Over time, it grew bigger and took over more parts of the building. It also collected many more items. Today, the museum shows amazing things from the past. These include ancient objects found in Vizcaya (a region in Spain). It also shows the history and culture of the Basque Country. The Basque Museum is currently being updated to make it even better. Since 1962, it has been recognized as an important cultural landmark. This means it is a protected site because of its history and value.
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Exploring the Basque Museum
The Basque Museum helps visitors learn about the rich history of the Basque people. It focuses on two main areas: archaeology and ethnohistory.
What is Archaeology?
Archaeology is the study of human history. It looks at things people left behind. These can be tools, buildings, or even old bones. At the Basque Museum, you can see ancient objects found in the Vizcaya area. These items tell us how people lived many years ago.
What is Ethnohistory?
Ethnohistory combines history with the study of cultures. It looks at how different groups of people lived. The museum shows the traditions, customs, and daily life of the Basque people. You can learn about their clothing, tools, and how they worked.
The Museum's Home: An Old School
The building where the Basque Museum is located has a long history. It was once a school named Colegio de San Andrés. This school was run by the Jesuits. They were a religious group. The school closed in 1767. The museum now uses this historic building. Next to the museum is the Santos Juanes church. This church was also part of the old Jesuit school. Today, it is a regular church for the community.
Who Supports the Museum?
From the very beginning, the Basque Museum has had help from important groups. The Vizcaya Provincial Council and the Bilbao City Council have supported it. This support has helped the museum grow. It has also helped it protect and share the history of the Basque Country.