Fournier Karta Museoa - BIBAT

Imagine a place where the ancient mysteries of the earth and the excitement of human games intertwine. The Fournier Museum of Playing Cards – BIBAT is a unique museum complex located in the historical center of Vitoria-Gasteiz in sunny Spain. It brings together two rich collections: the Álava Archaeology Museum and the world-renowned collection of playing cards.

Fournier Playing Card Museum – BIBAT. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main part of the exhibition is housed in the magnificent Bendaña Palace (Palacio de Bendaña), a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Inside the museum are more than 20,000 decks of cards from all over the world and over 3,000 archaeological finds telling the story of the region's life from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. This is not just an exhibition, but a real journey through the centuries, marked by prestigious architectural awards for its harmonious blend of history and modernity.

Of particular value is the collection of cards from the Fournier family, whose printing house made the city famous worldwide. Here you can see not only the rarest game sets but also antique printing presses that once turned ordinary paper into works of applied art.

To inquire about special exhibitions or group visits, you can use the official communication channels. The museum is open to visitors' inquiries and provides all the necessary information for planning a visit.

Inside the museum's halls, you will find yourself immersed in the fascinating world of graphics and history. It's best to start your tour on the second floor, which showcases the evolution of playing cards: from rare 15th-century specimens to themed decks dedicated to Tarot, music, and great historical events. You will see unique card-making machines and learn the secrets of Heraclio Fournier, the creator of the classic Spanish deck.

In the archaeological section, you can literally touch the origins of civilization while examining Paleolithic tools, elegant ancient ceramics, and jewelry found during excavations of the ancient settlement of Gasteiz. Interactive elements and demonstrations of printing techniques make a walk through the museum interesting even for those who usually stay away from classic exhibitions.

In addition to exploring the displays, be sure to take note of the BIBAT architecture itself. Stroll through the palace's arched galleries and peek into the room for the youngest visitors if you are traveling as a family—the museum is well-adapted for children, equipped with elevators and a convenient cloakroom. This is a place where you can not only look but also feel the connection of times through familiar everyday objects.

The complex is located at Aiztogile K., 54, right in the heart of the medieval quarter. A walk to the museum from the central Plaza de la Virgen Blanca or the majestic Santa Maria Cathedral takes no more than 5–10 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient streets along the way.

If you plan to use public transport, look for stops in the Old Town. From the main railway station, you can take the tram or bus routes No. 5 and No. 7, which take about 10–15 minutes, followed by a short walk.

For those traveling by car, please note that traffic is restricted in the historical center, and parking spaces are virtually non-existent. It is recommended to leave your car in the nearest underground parking lots, such as Medina Elaia or Florida, and walk about 10 minutes to the museum.

The history of this site is inextricably linked to the magnificent Bendaña Palace, built in 1525 by order of Juan López de Arrieta. This Renaissance building preserves echoes of the past within its walls: pointed portals, an elegant octagonal staircase, and even a round tower that once served as a status symbol for the owners.

The Fournier Museum of Playing Cards itself owes its existence to the passion of Félix Alfaro Fournier, grandson of the founder of the famous Heraclio Fournier printing house. Since 1916, the collection has grown, enriched by the rarest specimens, including the 1970 acquisition of the unique collection of the Thomas De La Rue company from the British Museum. In 1994, the exhibition found its permanent home within the palace walls.

A new chapter in the museum's life began in 2009, when a modern building for the Álava Archaeology Museum was opened, designed by architect Patxi Mangado. The merger of the two institutions under the brand BIBAT (which means "two in one" in Basque) turned the complex into one of the region's most innovative cultural centers, recognized with European architectural awards.

To fully experience the complex's dual exhibition—from ancient artifacts to masterfully crafted playing cards—most guests need between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is plenty of time to carefully examine the details of vintage decks, study the archaeological finds, and enjoy the architectural features of the Renaissance palace.

If you are a true history or design enthusiast, it is worth allowing a little more time to explore the interactive displays and temporary exhibitions that are often held at the museum. Thanks to easy navigation and the availability of elevators, the tour is comfortable and unhurried.

The museum welcomes visitors throughout the week, except for Mondays. Please note the midday break on weekdays and Saturdays, which is traditional for many cultural institutions in this region.

Current opening hours:\n

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• Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 14:00 and 16:00 – 18:30
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• Sunday: 11:00 – 14:00
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• Monday: Closed
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Its location in the historical heart of the city makes the BIBAT complex an ideal starting point for exploring other treasures of old Vitoria. Around almost every corner of the narrow streets, you'll find architectural monuments, cozy markets, and ancient fortifications that together create the unique character of the Basque capital.