The Forest of Oma
The Forest of Oma
The Forest of Oma migration project represents a milestone in the history of contemporary art. The relocation of El Bosque to its new location has been an achievement supported by a team of experts in contemporary art and forestry. The result is a more sustainable, comprehensive, and faithful rendition of the original concept by Agustín Ibarrola, with expanded dimensions and the recovery of previously lost ensembles.
How can we visit the new Forest of Oma?
Admission to the Oma Forest is free, but you must book ahead. The forest is best visited in full daylight, and visitors are asked to follow the rules and recommendations at all times.
Guided Tours
Guided visits are available for groups of a maximum of 25 people. Guided tours will be offered only on Saturdays, at 11:00 in Spanish and at 12:30 in Basque.
Shuttle service
Due to parking limitations at the Santimamiñe parking area, it is recommended to use the free shuttle service from Gernika-Lumo (station stop) with buses departing every hour between 9:00 and 13:00. This service will be available every weekend.
Useful information
- The forest can only be reached on foot. The path from Santimamiñe to The Oma Forest is 2.8 km long and takes about 50 minutes to walk.
- Carry water: there are no drinking fountains in the forest
- Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
More information
+34 94 465 16 57
oma@bizkaia.eus
Don't forget...
You must validate your ticket at the Santimamiñe-Oma service point one hour before the booked visit.
The two-phase migration of the Oma Forest
The first step in the migration process was to find another area of woodland similar to the site where Ibarrola had originally produced his artwork. The Government worked with Forestry Department personnel to locate a suitable spot. A multi-disciplinary team then analysed the specific location of each multi-part painting in the ensemble.
Phase one
Phase one, carried out in 2022, entailed planning the new layout of the Forest. The first step was to locate the most suitable spots in the woodland for each multi-part painting. Then the access paths had to be designed and arrangements made for the sustainable upkeep of the trees and hedges. After that, just under half of the multi-part paintings that make up the overall ensemble were painted, including some of the most popular pieces, such as Naiel's Rainbow and The Eyes.
Phase two
Phase two, conducted in 2023, involved the completion of the 34 multi-part works on over 800 trees.
“I strive to establish a relationship between contemporary culture and the millenary culture of my people, which is where my roots lie”
Agustín Ibarrola
