Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum

The museum, in Getaria, brings together the work of Cristóbal Balenciaga, born in the village, and stages temporary exhibitions. General admission costs €14 (the price changes with the time of year and the exhibitions) and reduced €9 for under-26s, retirees, unemployed people and people with disabilities. Under-18s go in free. From one hour to half an hour before closing, admission at the ticket office is free as long as there is capacity.

The couturier and his village

Balenciaga was born in Getaria, in a fishermen's house from the late 19th century on Calle Aldamar, and in 1907 left for San Sebastián. The museum, run by the Cristóbal Balenciaga Foundation, occupies the Aldamar palace and a new building next to it, and opened in 2011. It can be toured unhurriedly in an hour and a half.

What exhibitions there are

In November 2026 the museum has three exhibitions open:

• Cristóbal Balenciaga: Technique, Material and Form, from 7 March 2025 to 10 January 2028, an educational look at his work, influence and legacy based on the museum's own collections.
• The Givenchiaga Family, from 28 March 2026 to 22 February 2027.
• Vivre sa vie. Georges Dambier and fashion, from 22 May to 13 December 2026, on 1950s Paris haute couture in the photographs of Georges Dambier.

The museum also programmes activities: guided visits, workshops for families, programmes for schools and a fashion school. For the European Heritage Days, on 14 November 2026 it holds a visit on how works come into the museum and how they are conserved and displayed, and on 15 November, the family workshop "Warp and Weft". Check its calendar before you go.

Hours

From November to February it is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 17:00, and in March until 18:00. In October, Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 18:00; from April to June and in September, Tuesday to Sunday until 19:00; in July and August, every day from 10:30 to 20:00. Last entry is half an hour before closing. Tickets can also be bought online. Telephone 943 008 840; email [email protected].

With children and getting there

Under-18s do not pay, and the family workshops are designed for them: it is a good way to take kids into a fashion museum. If you are with a pushchair or wheelchair, the museum's website has an accessibility section.

Without a car, the Lurraldebus UK10 from San Sebastián stops in Getaria and the museum is a short walk away. By car, park outside the old town, which is tiny. Afterwards, go down to the old town and harbour for lunch at the grill restaurants, or go up the Ratón. If you sleep in the village, SaiazGetaria is a few minutes' walk away.