Three Months to Restore the Crown Jewels of the Rialia Museum in Portugalete

Visitors to the building—which welcomed over 8,500 people in 2024—will be able to admire the meticulous restoration work on oil paintings depicting the era of industrialization.

The Left Bank of the Nervión River once teemed with life during the golden age of industrialization, with generations forged in iron. Today, only remnants remain, such as the blast furnace in Sestao, mineral loading docks in Barakaldo, the mines of Gallarta, and the pits of La Arboleda, to name a few. In tribute to the powerful iron and steel, mining, and shipbuilding industries that shaped the region’s prosperity, stands Rialia—the Museum of Industry in Portugalete, perched on the riverbank.

The museum features an interactive exhibition hall and a research space equipped with computers and an extensive bibliography aimed at university students, educators, and researchers interested in recent industrial history. Its corridors are lined with panels and paintings that transport visitors into the age of iron. Among the permanent exhibitions—others being temporary—are the museum’s crown jewels: works by Filipino artist Juan Luna y Novicio (1875–1899). “The true treasure of Rialia,” says Portugalete’s Councillor for Culture, Estíbaliz Freije.

To continue enhancing the value of this local landmark, restoration work is currently underway on two of Luna’s paintings that portray scenes from 1893 inside La Vizcaya factory: Era of Loaves in the Blast Furnace and Interior of the Robert Steel Workshops. “It’s very important to preserve the museum’s permanent collection in the best possible condition,” adds Freije.

These delicate restorations are being carried out by the conservation firm Equipo 7. Work began recently and will continue through mid-April. During this time, visitors to Rialia will be able to watch the meticulous restoration process live, as carried out by professionals Josune Ostio and Nagore Zalbidea. The pair have started work on Era of Loaves in the Blast Furnace, which measures approximately three meters wide by two meters high, and will move on to the second painting, slightly larger at four by two meters.

“To approach any artwork, we follow criteria established in documents and guidelines from the International Council of Museums. It’s essential to understand the piece, the artist, and the materials used,” explains Javier de Miguel, head of Equipo 7. “The canvas has endured many challenges over the years—fluctuations in temperature and humidity have caused the varnishes to oxidize, darkening the colors. Our job is to regenerate the original work using materials compatible with the technique, without affecting its chemical makeup. Each piece requires a tailored solution that works effectively,” he adds.

This initiative is part of an effort to strengthen the appeal of the recently renovated Rialia museum, which saw a 30% increase in visitors compared to 2023. Of those 8,500 visitors, 80% were from the Basque Autonomous Community, 13% from elsewhere in Spain, and 7% from abroad, including countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the United States, and Italy. The museum also welcomed 175 school groups.

It’s worth noting that the two annual temporary exhibitions also attracted large audiences, according to the Councillor. The Oma Forest exhibition by Ibarrola drew 3,000 visitors, while the Plastistory of Science brought in over 1,500.

The Portugalete Town Council has begun distributing its cultural program for February and March, offering a wide array of events for all audiences. Residents can enjoy exhibitions, robotics and technology workshops, storytelling and comics at Santa Clara, Rialia, and the library, as well as theatre performances for both adults and families at El Carmen school. The Municipal Band will also begin its concert series at various locations around the town. A special tribute—details yet to be announced—will commemorate the 500th anniversary of Juan Sebastián Elcano’s final voyage from Portugalete, set for February 25.