When summer arrives in Bizkaia, travellers’ schedules start to fill with plans to make the most of the coast, the green landscapes and, of course, the cultural life of the capital. Within the planning of what to do and what to see in Bilbao, there is an architectural and historical landmark that breaks its usual routine during the holidays to make things much easier for visitors. The Athletic Club Museum enters its high season by opening its doors seven days a week during July and August, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Visiting the AC Museum in summer is one of the best ways to understand the identity of Bilbao, and it is a key activity recommended in the top 10 places to visit in Bilbao and its surroundings. Summer becomes the ideal time to enjoy the atmosphere of the city, allowing visitors to combine a sporting experience with the wide range of festivals, concerts and cultural exhibitions that fill the streets during the summer season.
An award-winning landmark brought to life by thousands of historical treasures
The quality of the design and the exhibition concept of the facilities have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. The San Mames stadium was awarded the title of Best Sports Building in the World at the World Architecture Festival in Singapore in 2015, received the highest distinction at the World Design Awards in 2020, and the museum was a finalist in the prestigious EMYA Awards, confirming an absolute standard of excellence.
When you pass through the entrance, located between gates 19 and 20 on Rafael Moreno “Pichichi” Street, visitors find a museum collection that preserves more than 1,000 original objects: kits from the pioneers of 1898, historic trophies, unpublished photographs of local legends, and tickets that evoke epic achievements written in golden letters.
The narrative is not limited to static display cases; it is supported by ninety interactive videos with a dynamic and inclusive language suitable for all ages. In addition, the corridors of the Athletic Club Museum feature highly emotional spaces, such as the temporary exhibition dedicated to Basque children evacuated to the United Kingdom during the Civil War — some of whom ended up playing in the elite of English football — as well as documents that illustrate absolute loyalty to a youth academy philosophy that is unique in world football. To explore in detail every interactive corner of this collection, you can also check in advance what the San Mames Tour includes with its museum.
The San Mames Tour: feel the excitement from the bench
The museum experience reaches its peak when visitors step onto the stadium itself through an exclusive route that lasts around forty-five minutes. Visitors can experience the adrenaline of professional football firsthand by accessing the first team’s dressing room, walking through the impressive tunnel leading from the dressing rooms to the pitch, and stepping onto the technical area at pitch level. It is the perfect moment to sit on the Lions’ bench and look up at the imposing stands, or to put yourself in the shoes of the protagonists by visiting the official press room and the exclusive Presidential Box, reserved for the board of directors and VIP guests.
Visit options at the AC MUSEUM
– Multilingual audio-guided tour: ideal for exploring at your own pace, with complete independence. Price: € 15 adults / €5 children (6–14 years) / €6 members.
– Expert-guided tour: a detailed tour led by a profesional who shares passion and local stories. Price: € 22 adults/ €10 members.
Bookings are easily managed through the AC Museum ticket platform, and it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance due to the high number of tourists visiting San Mames in summer.
Practical guide to organizing your red-and-white day
Getting to La Catedral is extremely easy thanks to the city’s public transport network. The stadium has direct access from the San Mames metro station, the Bilbobus and Bizkaibus city bus lines, the Euskotren tram, and the RENFE suburban train station. For those who choose to travel by car, it is worth remembering that on-street parking spaces are subject to OTA regulations and are usually very busy, so public transport stands out as the most comfortable and sustainable option
The museum also stands out for its strong commitment to accessibility. The venue is adapted for people with reduced mobility and functional diversity, offering discounted rates (between €7 and €8 depending on the format) upon presentation of official documentation and ID at the entrance. In addition, if the relevant certificate confirms that the person requires assistance, their companion is granted free access. Please note that children under 5 enter for free (with a maximum of three children per adult), and members under 14 also go free, although it is mandatory to collect their pass at reception on the same day by showing the original membership cards to ensure proper capacity control.
