Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne

The Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne is located at 37 Quai des Corsaires, 64100 Bayonne, housed in the Maison Dagourette, one of the city’s oldest buildings dating to the late 16th or early 17th centuries. The building has a rich history, having served as a home for Visitandine sisters, a civil hospital with a visible "baby drop-off" window, and various shops before the town purchased it in 1922. The museum officially opened in 1924 and was listed as a historic monument in 1991, undergoing restoration in 2001.

Visitors can explore three levels featuring over 2,000 displayed objects and paintings that illustrate Basque culture through ethnography, history, and regional art. Exhibits cover rural and domestic life, funeral rites, crafts, maritime activities, festivals, and regional history. The museum’s reserves hold an extensive collection of 85,000 items, including 20,000 graphic documents, 50,000 photographs, and 15,000 objects, covering periods from prehistory onward.

The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A recommended visit duration is 2 to 3 hours. For ticket inquiries, contact +33 559 466 185. This institution offers a comprehensive look into the Basque identity and Bayonne’s historical evolution, making it an essential stop for travelers interested in regional culture. The combination of the historic building and the extensive collections provides a deep understanding of the area’s heritage.