Diocesan Museum of sacred Art

The museum exhibits works related to the religious art of Bizkaia. The building is the former Encarnación Convent that was founded by Dominican Sisters in 1513. The museum was open to the public in 1995 and accommodates hundreds of exhibits that date from the Middle Ages to present day. The pieces reflect their artistic and liturgical value. There is a room related to contemporary religious art. The second floor is devoted to religious expressions throughout history and styles, above all, to sculptures and paintings. The Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art houses a collection of more than 2,000 pieces, almost 500 of which are on exhibition. The collection spans the period between the 12th and 20th centuries, and also contains some archaeological items which date back as far as the 3rd century. The exhibition is divided into three broad sections: sculptures/paintings, silverware and sacred garments. In each one of these sections, the pieces are arranged in chronological and stylistic order.