Chillida Leku: History, what to see and how to get there

If you are looking for a place where art and nature mix in an authentic way, Chillida Leku is it. Just 15 minutes from San Sebastian, in Hernani, this open-air museum displays the sculptures of Basque artist Eduardo Chillida in a setting that really seems made for them. Chillida wanted his works to be in a place where they would feel at home, and so Chillida Leku was born, which in Basque means “place”. After restoring the Caserío Zabalaga , the museum opened its doors and has become a key point for those who enjoy art and history.

History

The Chillida Leku Museum was born from Eduardo Chillida’s dream of creating a place where his sculptures could live in direct contact with nature, outside the traditional confines of art galleries. This dream became a reality in the Zabalaga farmhouse, a 16th-century building carefully restored to become the heart of the museum. The restoration of the farmhouse has not been a mere architectural work, but a true artistic intervention, respecting the essence of the building and adapting it to major works and temporary exhibitions that span Chillida’s more than 60-year career.

If you want to know more about Chillida we recommend reading the article about the Peine del Viento.

What you will see at the Chillida Leku museum

The Sculpture Garden

Chillida Leku’s garden is a large space where Eduardo Chillida’s sculptures blend into the landscape. The pieces are scattered among trees, meadows and paths, so that visitors can discover them little by little. The iron structures, granite pieces and other materials blend with nature in a way that seems designed to allow the works to “breathe” with the surroundings.

One of the most special experiences here is that you can physically interact with the sculptures: touch them and feel their textures, just as Chillida intended. In addition, QR codes offer detailed information about each piece, making the visit even more enriching. It is not unusual to see people spending long periods of time in front of each sculpture, observing the interaction between space and emptiness, a constant theme in Chillida’s work.

The Zabalaga House

Inside the Caserío Zabalaga, you will find some of Chillida’s most representative works, displayed in an environment that mixes 16th-century antiquity with contemporary art. Both permanent pieces and temporary exhibitions that explore different phases of his career are on display here. From sculptures in steel and alabaster to delicate creations in paper, the variety of techniques and materials shows Chillida’s versatility.

The atmosphere of the place invites you to pause, to take your time to reflect and connect with each work. It is a space that envelops you and leads you to a more personal dialogue with art.

Archive and library

The museum also has an archive and a library, ideal for those who want to learn more about Chillida ‘s work . Here you can find documents, photographs and sketches that show what the artist’s creative process was like. It is a space that holds many of the secrets behind his most famous sculptures and is perfect if you want to discover more about the ideas and concepts that inspired Chillida.

How to get to the Chillida Leku museum

Visiting Chillida Leku is easy thanks to its proximity to San Sebastian. If you decide to go by car, the museum has a large car park, so you won’t have any problems finding a spot. It is located in the Zabalaga fields, in Hernani, and you can also get there by public transport: there are local buses that connect regularly with San Sebastian, and if you prefer more comfort, there is always the option of taking a taxi.

Now that you have all the information, go ahead and explore Chillida Leku! Every corner of the place has something special to offer, and you’re sure to find your own moment of connection with art and nature. If you want to visit this and more places in San Sebastian, with Golocal’s guided tours , you’ll discover every corner of the land of Donostia as if you were a local. What are you waiting for? Contact us today.