At the Basque Architecture Institute we see architecture as a cultural and social tool linking local to global, fostering critical thinking about how we inhabit and design our surroundings. Our mission is to generate knowledge, support up-and-coming talent and highlight the role of Basque architecture in an international context.

The Basque Architecture Institute is a programme belonging to the Basque Government Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda commitment to promote architectural culture.

The Institute runs its programme at its Tabakalera headquarters with the aim of creating a meeting place where people can learn about, explore and share ideas related to architecture. 

The Basque Architecture Institute is one of the department initiatives to promote and showcase architecture, with an active part played in consolidating that commitment by such initiatives as:

● The Basque International Architecture Biennial, Mugak/: A pre-eminent forum for architectural and urban debate. The Basque Country Architecture Institute serves as the central venue hosting the main exhibition for each edition.

● European Collective Housing Award: An international award recognising excellence in collective housing projects, organised by the Basque Country Architecture Institute in partnership with the Arc en Rêve architecture centre.

● Peña Ganchegui Young Basque Architecture Prize: A platform raising the profile of up-and-coming talent, organised in partnership with the Peña Ganchegui Archive, which has its own exhibition gallery at the Basque Country Architecture Institute.

History of the Basque Architecture Institute

The Basque Architecture Institute (EAI-IAE) was founded in 2018 on the upper floors of the Convent of Santa Teresa in San Sebastián, where it was based until moving to Tabakalera in October 2026.
During this period, the Institute held 42 exhibitions and more than 300 activities, bringing architecture, urban planning, landscape and design closer to the public. It was also a period in which international programmes such as the Mugak International Architecture Biennial and the European Collective Housing Award became firmly established.