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Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, is an interesting destination for modern art and contemporary art lovers in Spain. This place attracts visitors, knowledge seekers, history buffs and cultural enthusiasts from borders and beyond. This museum is one of the most iconic museums in Spain. The Guggenheim Museum has gained profound significance since the time it was inaugurated. Set along the banks of the Nervión River, this place not only offers insights into the region’s past but also offers serene views of the surroundings. The museum is indeed a blend of unique architecture and beautifully displayed exhibits.
Quick Details
Location: Bilbao, Spain
Opening Date: 18 October 1997
Dimensions: 24,000 square meters with 9,000 square meters
Elevation: 50 m
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sculpted By: Frank Gehry
Best Time To Visit: November to March
About
Photo: Ermell / Wikimedia Commons
Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, is affiliated with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and displays several exhibits and works by Spanish and other International Artists. This museum is beautifully designed by the Canadian-American architect, Frank Gehry. It is beautifully clad with glass, titanium and limestone. The Guggenheim Museum displays multiple paintings by Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko and Clyfford Still. This museum hosts thematic exhibitions where works and paintings of Chinese or Russian Art are displayed.
Location
Photo: Basotxerri / Wikimedia Commons
Guggenheim Museum is of quite significance to both tourists and locals of Bilbao. The museum is located along the Nervion Estuary in Central Bilbao. The museum offers beautiful views to the visitors of Bilbao’s estuary and the surrounding hills of the Basque country. Beyond the stunning works displayed, this museum is an important centre as it hosts performances, exhibitions and other educational programs.
How To Reach
Photo: Basotxerri / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Visitors travelling to Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao via air shall land at Bilbao Airport. The airport is international and is located 9 kilometres to the north of Bilbao. The museum is only 13 kilometres from the airport.
By Train: Visitors travelling by train shall get down at Bilbao Abando Station. After getting down, they shall either take a local bus or hire a private taxi to reach the Guggenheim Museum. This station is only 1.7 kilometres from the museum.
By Road: Visitors travelling to Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum by road shall take the highway A-8 and AP-68. After entering Bilbao, they shall follow the maps which lead to the museum.
Things To Do
The Guggenheim Museum offers an array of options for things to do. These things can be done both inside the museum and outside on the premises of the museum.
1. Explore The Art Exhibits
Photo: Manuel Portero / Wikimedia Commons
There are permanent collections displayed at the museum. These are the splendid works by artists such as Jeff Koons and Richard Serra. The collection ranges from sculptures, paintings and installations. At the Guggenheim Museum, there is a special collection of Thannhauser which showcases the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and modern French masterpieces. Besides the masterpieces, there are antiques and other incredible works of art. There are educational areas in each exhibition space of the museum.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 Hours
2. Witness The ‘Puppy’
Photo: LANOEL / Wikimedia Commons
The Puppy is a flower-covered sculpture of a dog which is placed outside the museum. The sculpture is huge and is one of the most iconic landmarks of the museum. This flower structure is the world’s largest flower sculpture. With Puppy, Koons brings together both the past and present which is presented via sophisticated computer modelling. This sculpture fills all visitors with joy and fun. It is known to be the most optimistic sculpture in the entire museum.
Ideal Duration: 30 mins to 1 hour
3. Visit The Atrium
Photo: Piotr Musioł / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Atrium lies in the heart of the museum. The Atrium and the Central Space offer a feeling of openness above you. The Atrium truly reflects the rich architectural designs of Frank Gehry. The Atrium is also an extraordinary place to host dinner evenings and events. A majority of the corporate events happen here. This spot has a crucial feature and has a height of 55 meters with a surface area of 900 meters square. From the atrium, visitors can access all galleries and the outside terrace.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 Hours
4. Take A Stroll On The River Walkway
The museum is situated along the Nervion River. There are walkways and bridges along the river and the museum. A nice stroll along the river promises a relaxing time. The museum is beautifully lit at night and offers an attractive view. The River Walk at this museum is known as the Bilbao River Walk and connects Casco to the Guggenheim Museum. One of the most peaceful things to do after exploring the museum is to take a leisurely stroll on this River Walkway.
Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Places To Visit Near Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
There are multiple places to explore near the Guggenheim Museum. Bilbao, the magnificent city has multiple attractive sites to witness.
1. Museum Of Fine Arts
Photo: Pedro J Pacheco / Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of Fine Arts is an art museum located in Bilbao. This museum is the second largest museum in the Basque Country and has a rich collection of artwork. The collection at the Museum of Fine Arts includes fantastic artwork by masters like Gustave Doré, Sorolla and Mary Cassatt. This place has a comprehensive collection of Basque, Spanish and European Art. This museum is divided into two parts: The Museum of Fine Arts and The Museum of Modern Art. The Museum of Fine Arts displays more than 1500 paintings.
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Distance From The Museum: 600 m
2. Erribera Merkatua (Ribera Market)
Photo: Markus Winkler / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Erribera Merkatua is also known as Ribera Market. This place is a top fresh food market in Bilbao. This market was recognised in 1990 by the Guinness World Book Of Records as the largest food market not only in Spain but in the entire world. This market has nearly 400 stalls. It also offers several eateries to eat food in the location itself. A few of the items sold at the market include seafood, meat, fruits, vegetables, fresh produce, dairy products and more.
Timings: 8 AM – 2:30 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
Distance From The Museum: 2.1 km
3. Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park
Photo: Zarateman / Wikimedia Commons
Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is a public park near to the Guggenheim Museum. This place is largely visited by locals of the region to have some peaceful time away from the city’s shore. This garden is an English-style garden which was built more than 100 years ago. The garden also features some of the rare tree species. The park has a duck pond home to many species of waterfowl. The park also has a fountain which hosts several light and sound shows on festivals, occasions and public holidays.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Museum: 850 m
4. Zubizuri
Photo: Basotxerri / Wikimedia Commons
Zubizuri, also known as Campo Volantin Bridge, is an important tourist destination in Bilbao. This bridge is a tied arch footbridge in Bilbao and is located across the Nervion River. This place is largely visited by tourists as it offers magnificent views of the city and its surroundings. Campo Volantin Bridge is beautifully lit at night and looks very attractive. Visitors can take a stroll along this footbridge and cross two different sides of Bilbao. There are many hotels in the vicinity of the ridge which offer an eye-catching view of the area.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Museum: 850 m
5. Moyua
Photo: Xabier / Wikimedia Commons
Moyua is a public town square in Bilbao which is beautifully decorated with flowers. This place is of utmost importance and is strategically designed. Eight main streets can be visited from this town square. It is also known as Elliptic Square because of its radius shape. Moyua has a lovely fountain in between with lush green lawns on either side. This square is the closest to the Guggenheim Museum and shares proximity to the railway station as well. People can sit, relax and enjoy the city view from this place.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Museum: 700 m
Where To Stay
Photo: Xabier / Wikimedia Commons
There are multiple options for tourists to stay in Bilbao. These hotels lie in close proximity to the Guggenheim Museum and are an ideal choice. Some of the recommended hotels in Bilbao include Hotel ILUNION Bilbao, Hotel Carlton, ibis Bilbao Centro, Livensa Living Studios Bilbao, Hotel Gran Bilbao and Radisson Collection Hotel.
Where To Eat
Photo: Joaquin Egea / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are multiple restaurants in the vicinity of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. These restaurants are multicuisine, cater to the taste buds of all guests and serve a few of the best dishes from the Roman Cuisine. A few of the recommended options include La Gavillia Bilbao, Gure Toki, Mio Basque Urban Food, Asador Bilbao Brasan, Bistro and Restaurant Sua San.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rana Sawalha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The entry fee to the museum is nearly ₹1100. The average cost of the trip considering the other places to visit, dining at restaurants and staying at hotels is roughly ₹8,000 per person for a day.
Tips For Travellers
- Consider taking a guided tour of the museum for a better understanding of the exhibits displayed and to learn about the renowned painters whose artwork including contemporary and modern paintings is displayed.
- Ensure to keep a safe distance from the exhibits, models, paintings, sculptures and artworks displayed. If travelling with kids, ensure to supervise them.
- To avoid long queues, make a reservation online. Visitors can book tickets online before visiting the museum. Tickets can be booked from the official website of the Guggenheim Museum.
The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao is a true masterpiece beautifully designed by Frank Gehry. This museum is a top architectural landmark in Bilbao and attracts visitors from borders and beyond. This place is not just a centre for gaining knowledge but also a place to simply people-watch and relax. Plan a trip with TripXL and visit not only the Guggenheim Museum but also other important tourist spots in the city.
Cover Photo: Jose María Ligero Loarte / Wikimedia Commons
