Augustin Zulueta Palace

Augustin Zulueta Palace is a mansion in Vitoria-Gasteiz built around a square layout with surrounding gardens and arches along the main facade. The structure includes an ornamental coat of arms above the entrance and interior rooms organized to display art collections.

Construction began in 1905 when Ricardo commissioned the palace for his wife Elvira, with architects Julian Apraiz and Francisco Luque completing it in 1912. Following Elvira's death in 1917, Ricardo transferred ownership to the Catholic Church, a decision that brought him noble recognition.

The building now houses the Museum of Fine Arts of Álava, displaying Spanish paintings and sculptures from the 17th to 20th centuries alongside Basque art collections. You can walk through galleries that reflect the taste and interests of earlier owners while exploring regional artistic traditions.

You enter through a modern entrance pavilion added in 2000 that fits discreetly with the historic building. The museum galleries inside are well-lit and logically arranged, making it easy to navigate through the different sections at your own pace.

The palace was originally a private family residence that later became a public art museum, allowing ordinary visitors to explore rooms once reserved for wealthy owners. This transformation means you walk through spaces that still carry the feeling of a lived-in home while viewing professional art collections.

Location: Vitoria-Gasteiz

Inception: 1912

Architects: Julian Apraiz Arias, Francisco Javier de Luque

GPS coordinates: 42.84162,-2.67970

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:40