Bilbao is a top cultural destination, offering a diverse and fascinating selection of museums. Among the must-visit museums in the Biscayan capital is AC Museoa, the Athletic Club Museum, located inside the iconic San Mamés Stadium itself.
AC Museum
The AC Museum, located between gates 19 and 20 of the San Mamés stadium, is a modern and interactive space that offers an immersive experience to discover the essence of Athletic Club, a club founded in 1898 and “unique in the world.”
The museum houses a collection of over 1,000 original objects and 900 videos, which tell the story of more than a century of football history. Among its treasures are the team’s first kit, the boots of legends like Telmo Zarra, and historic trophies, including league titles and Copa del Rey cups, that reflect the club’s achievements over its more than 125-year history.
The exhibitions are organized into themed areas that guide visitors from the club’s origins to the present day, covering the most important milestones of Athletic Club. With its interactive systems, audiovisual productions, and game room, the museum is an ideal activity for families visiting Bilbao. The experience is rounded off with an immersive video wall that recreates the passion of the red-and-white fans, allowing visitors to feel the heartbeat of San Mamés.
San Mamés Tour
The San Mamés Tour is a unique experience for football fans and Athletic Club supporters, offering a behind-the-scenes look at The Cathedral of football, the historic home of Athletic since 1913, with the current stadium opened in 2013.
The tour includes access to exclusive areas such as the players’ dressing rooms, the tunnel leading to the pitch, the presidential box, and the press room.
Visitors will also enjoy a privileged view of the pitch itself, where they can feel the atmosphere that surrounds the players every matchday. It is advisable to book in advance, as places are limited, especially on matchdays. The tour lasts approximately one hour, and times may vary depending on the season. Guided tours are available in several languages.
A visit to AC Museoa, followed by the San Mamés Tour, is an experience not to be missed for football enthusiasts and the perfect activity before enjoying a home match of the red-and-white team.
Remember that you can experience the Lions´matches in a unique way thanks to experiences such as The Lion Experience, which includes seating in the VIP ring with exclusive gastronomic service, along with a welcome pack, a behind-the-scenes visit to the dressing room and players´tunnel before kick-off, exclusive access to the arrival of both squads at the stadium, pitchside views of the warm-up, entry to the press room for the post-match press conference, and a meet and greet with a first-team player in the mixed zone.
