Designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one of modern architecture's most iconic buildings. Its shimmering titanium roof, sculptural elements and ship-like shapes have helped reimagine the city.
Explore the enthralling exhibitions of the museum with a knowledgeable guide. See works from the world's best artists and gain an insight into their fascinating lives on this enthralling cultural tour.
Guided Tours
Enjoy a guided tour of this remarkable modern art museum. Get a fascinating overview of the building's design and learn why Bilbao was chosen as its home.
The Guggenheim is a ship-resembling multifaceted structure made of stone, titanium, and glass. It's one of the most ambitious cultural projects of the 21st century.
Take this 2.5-hour tour, led by an art expert, to see iconic works of modern artwork. Explore enthralling exhibitions and hear stories about the artists who inspired them.
Meet your guide outside the Guggenheim Museum. Admire the eccentric exterior of the Frank Gehry-designed building; its distinctive structure caused a stir among European architects upon completion. Capture photographs beside the 39-foot (12-meter) sculpture of Puppy before entering the museum.
Getting There
If you’re planning a visit to Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, it’s a good idea to check ahead for any transportation problems or delays. This will help you plan your trip and save money on transportation costs.
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a stunning modern art museum built by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. It’s one of several museums that belong to the Guggenheim Foundation and features permanent and visiting exhibits of modern and contemporary art.
Designed to be a landmark of postmodernist deconstructivism, it stands alongside the Nervion River and is built from titanium, glass, and limestone. The building is clad in a series of curved and twisted shapes that give it a dizzying effect.
Thanks to an ingenious computer modelling software, the curvilinear forms are made possible, giving the building a very sophisticated and complex appearance that would have been difficult to achieve using traditional methods. The soaring structure is maintained by around fifty maintenance and cleaning technicians who work on a daily basis to keep it in perfect working condition.
Visiting the Museum
In 1997, Frank Gehry opened the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain and completely transformed the city's image. It changed the way people thought about art and architecture, and it is now credited with boosting Bilbao's economy as a whole.
The building is a fusion of complex, swirling forms and captivating materiality. Its exterior, which is covered with 33,000 thin titanium sheets, provides a rough and organic appearance that changes color according to weather conditions.
It is an iconic structure and one of the most renowned in the world. Its collection includes works by international artists such as Joseph Beuys, Robert Rauschenberg and Jeff Koons.
The museum also has several permanent exhibitions displaying the work of contemporary artists, including The Matter of Time by Richard Serra. The museum also has an impressive neo-pop sculpture, Puppy, created by Jeff Koons.
Taking Photos
If you’re visiting the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, there are some great spots to take photos. From the Puppy installation to the Fish Gallery, there are plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos that really showcase the building’s unique design.
According to Gehry, his design for the Guggenheim Museum was influenced by a fascination with shapes that predate man, especially fish. He wanted the design to be fluid and dynamic, with a sense of movement that was reminiscent of the sea.
It’s no wonder that the Guggenheim is one of the most famous buildings in the world and a coveted place to visit. As part of a larger redevelopment plan for the city, it’s a must-see for tourists from around the globe.
The museum was built in 1997 and was designed by California-based architect Frank Gehry. It was part of a larger project to redevelop the city, which had lost its industrial base and become a target for Basque separatist terrorists.
