Basque science museum faces closure: a loss for innovation?

Kutxa Fundazioa’s decision to dismantle Eureka! Zientzia Museoa, the premier Science outreach center in the Basque Country, has ignited a firestorm of protest. What’s being framed as a ‘relocation’ to Tabakalera is, by all accounts, a devastating reduction in scale that threatens to cripple the museum's vital role in fostering scientific literacy.

A shrinking footprint, a diminished mission

For 25 years, Eureka! Zientzia Museoa has served as a beacon of scientific discovery, drawing tens of thousands of students and families annually. Its 8,000 square meters, encompassing seven thematic halls, 150 interactive modules, a planetarium, and an observatory, provided unparalleled access to hands-on learning. Now, that expansive space is being compressed into a mere 500 square meters within Tabakalera’s ATENEA facility—a shared space that won’t be exclusively dedicated to Science. The move, slated for June, effectively dismantles the museum as we know it.

The planned reduction is more than just a spatial inconvenience; it represents a fundamental shift in the museum’s mission. ATENEA, while promising in its own right, lacks the scope and dedicated resources to replicate Eureka!'s comprehensive programming and impact. The loss of the planetarium and observatory alone represents an irreparable blow to astronomical education.

But hay un detalle que la Kutxa Fundazioa parece ignorar: Eureka! Zientzia Museoa isn’t just a museum; it’s a critical link between Science and society. Its educational resources, many of which are practically impossible to replicate in traditional classrooms, have inspired generations of young minds to pursue STEM fields. The institution has been a cornerstone in Euskadi’s emergence as an international scientific hub, a position built on considerable investment and innovation.

While criticism isn’t aimed at Kutxa Fundazioa’s past contributions—its role in the museum’s creation and development remains undeniable—the current situation demands a reassessment of priorities. Public institutions must shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding this invaluable resource, not allowing it to wither under the guise of modernization.

A Change.org petition, “Salvemos Eureka! Zientzia Museoa,” has already garnered significant support, underscoring the public outcry against this dismantling. The call to action is clear: halt the closure, explore public or mixed funding options, initiate transparent dialogue with stakeholders, and ensure Euskadi maintains a Science museum worthy of its scientific ambitions. The future of Science education in the Basque Country hangs in the balance.

The numbers speak for themselves: tens of thousands of schoolchildren benefit annually from Eureka!'s unique offerings. To dismantle this vital institution—to force Euskadi to look to Barcelona or A Coruña for an equivalent—is a shortsighted decision with potentially far-reaching consequences. The loss of Eureka! isn't just a reduction in square footage; it's a setback for an entire region's commitment to scientific progress.