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History · Basque Country, San Sebastian

San Telmo Museoa

  • Era16th century to present
  • AdmissionFull ticket reported at EUR 6 (about USD 6.90); reduced EUR 3 (about USD 3.45); Tuesday free per tourism listings
  • HoursReported Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-20:00 (shorter in winter); closed Mondays; confirm on santelmomuseoa.eus

San Telmo Museoa is the main history museum of San Sebastian, installed in a former Dominican convent at the foot of Monte Urgull. Its collections cover the archaeology, ethnography, art and society of the Basque Country, and the cloister and church are part of the exhibition. The church contains large paintings by Josep Maria Sert about Basque history. A modern extension with a planted facade opened in 2011 beside the historic building. Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent displays.

The city's main history museum in a 16th-century Dominican convent.

San Telmo Museoa is the main history museum of San Sebastian, installed in a former Dominican convent at the foot of Monte Urgull. Its collections cover the archaeology, ethnography, art and society of the Basque Country, and the cloister and church are part of the exhibition. The church contains large paintings by Josep Maria Sert about Basque history. A modern extension with a planted facade opened in 2011 beside the historic building. Temporary exhibitions complement the permanent displays. The ticket desk is at the entrance, and a full visit takes about two hours. It is the best single stop to understand the long history behind the city, and it is within walking distance of the Parte Vieja and the paths up Urgull.

Practical information for San Telmo Museoa · Last updated September 2026
Admission Full ticket reported at EUR 6 (about USD 6.90); reduced EUR 3 (about USD 3.45); Tuesday free per tourism listings
Hours Reported Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-20:00 (shorter in winter); closed Mondays; confirm on santelmomuseoa.eus
Address Plaza Zuloaga, 1, 20003 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Location

Plaza Zuloaga, 1, 20003 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain

43.3225, -1.9815 View on map

Highlights

  • Renaissance cloister and church
  • Sert paintings
  • Basque history and society collections
  • Modern extension

Tips for visiting

  • Check temporary exhibitions online.
  • Go in the morning.
  • Ask about guides.
  • Combine with Urgull.
  • Check the free Tuesday policy.

When to visit

Weekday mornings.

Accessibility

Lifts and step-free routes in the extension; older areas may have steps.

Frequently asked questions

Is San Telmo free?

Reported free on Tuesdays; confirm.

How long do I need?

About two hours.

Is it closed on Mondays?

Yes.