Bilbao Attractions

Venue: Guggenheim Bilbao    When: Daily; not Mon

Designed by North American architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim has helped transform Bilbao from a dark industrial town into a developing modern city.

The gallery was constructed in titanium and limestone blocks, a combination of interconnecting shapes with curved glass walls which protect the art from heat and radiation damage. Arriving from the airport, the road sweeps around to confront the spectator with the dynamic presence of the building, the titanium refecting both the old and new elements of the city. Inside, there are 11,000 square metres of exhibition space in 19 galleries, providing the space and light to appreciate the artworks without overwhelming the viewer.

The museum rotates its permanent collection, providing constant change and innovation in representation of styles, periods and mediums. These have included Modern, Cubist, Bauhaus, Abstract, Pop and Contemporary paintings, portraits, sculptures, films and videos and installations, organised by individual artists, theme or period. As well as the permanent collection, the museum displays Modern and Contemporary temporary exhibitions.

There are also a library, gallery shop, café and restaurant.