Museum

San Telmo Museoa

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San Telmo Museoa offers a deep dive into Basque culture, from prehistoric times to the present. The museum occupies a beautifully restored 16th-century Dominican convent, blending Renaissance architecture with a striking contemporary wing. Inside, you'll find exhibits on Basque ethnography, including traditional costumes, fishing tools, and agricultural implements, as well as a notable collection of Basque art from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum's highlight is the stunning cloister, where original Gothic arches frame a serene garden. Upstairs, the former church features a magnificent altarpiece and a series of murals by José María Sert. The modern extension, designed by architects Nieto Sobejano, houses temporary exhibitions and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city and sea. Interactive displays and multilingual guides make the museum accessible to all visitors.

Don't miss

  • Explore the 16th-century cloister with its original Gothic arches
  • Admire José María Sert's dramatic murals in the former church
  • View the collection of Basque ethnographic objects, including traditional txapelas (berets)
  • Visit the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of San Sebastián
  • Check the temporary exhibition schedule for contemporary Basque art

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Ways to visit San Telmo Museoa

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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