Itsasmuseum Bilbao (Bilbao Maritime Museum), Bilbao

The Bilbao Maritime Museum occupies the historically rich site of the former Euskalduna shipyards. Since its opening on November 20, 2003, the museum has welcomed visitors eager to explore the maritime heritage of the Basque Country.

The museum features both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas. The interior spans two floors, showcasing a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits that explore topics such as the estuary’s transformation, regional trade, and the area's maritime and industrial growth. The surrounding outdoor area includes the original dry docks, a restored pump house, and the emblematic La Carola crane, once Spain’s most powerful crane, capable of lifting 60 tonnes-today an industrial relic and museum symbol.

Visitors are treated to a fascinating journey through maritime history with exhibits that include traditional vessels like the wooden fishing boat Nuevo Antxustegi, built in 1958, and scale models crafted in local shipyards.