The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

This spectacular building, situated on the banks of the Bilbao’s estuary, was designed by the North American architect Frank Gehry and was opened to the public in 1997 as a museum of modern art. It consists of a series of interconnecting volumes some are limestone-coated orthogonal shapes while others have twisting and curving lines and all clad in a metallic titanium skin. These volumes are linked by glass curtain walls so giving a transparency to the whole building.

Owing to the architectural complexity, the sinuous stone, glass and titanium curves were designed with the aid of computers. The glass has been specially treated so that the natural light does not damage any of the works of art. The titanium panels covering large parts like “fish scales” are halfa millimetre thick.

It is a vibrant building which changes colour, depending on the time of day or season of the year.

Having passed through the foyer and inside the exhibition space itself,visitors find themselves in the atrium, where light streams in from the “metallic flower” on the roof so giving a feeling of warmth and harmony. The atrium is one of the most characteristic features of Gehry’s design. The terrace accessible from the atrium offers excellent views of the estuary and the water garden, it is covered by a glass-canopy roof resting on only one pillar, which has two functions: protective and aesthetic.

The three floors of galleries placed around this central atrium are interconnected by a system of curved walkways,glass lifts and stairs. Without doubt the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a truly remarkable building of exceptional architectural design.

The building holds a modern art museum that has a permanent exhibition and also temporary works are exposed. Check www.guggenheim-bilbao.es for the latest information regarding exhibitions.

Getting there

Underground station:

Moyúa.

Tram stop:

Guggenheim

Buses:

Bus numbers: 1, 10, 13 y 18, stop at Plaza del Museo de Bellas Artes, very near Guggenheim Museum.
Bus numbers: 13, 27, 38, 46 y 48, stop at Alameda de Recalde.
Bus numbers: 11 y 71, stop at Plaza de La Salve (ascensor Puente de la Salve).

Train:

RENFE,  Bilbao-Abando Station.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00-20:00 h.
Closed on mondays.
During July and August the museum opens everyday from 10:00 a 20:00 h.
Ticket booth closes 30 minutes before the museum closes.
The museum is closed on the 25th December and 1st January
Web: www.guggenheim-bilbao.es