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Spain Art Museums: The Guggenheim BilbaoAn Architectural Masterpiece Inside and Out
Architect Frank Gehry's swirling titanium building is reason enough to come to Bilbao, in Spain's Basque Country.
Singlehandedly credited with “putting Bilbao on the map” and the cornerstone of the Basque government’s plan to revitalize the city, the Guggenheim Bilbao is one of the Solomon R. Guggenheim foundation’s European platforms to display part of its unrivaled collection of 20th century art. The DesignGehry’s daring, sculptural design crafted from limestone, glass, and titanium is one that many believe to be a precursor of architecture in the third millennium. The exterior’s most discernible feature is its graceful, random curves covered with “fish-scale” titanium. It is a brilliant example of the further reaches of 20th century avant-garde architecture and has been regarded as “the greatest building of our time” by architect Philip Johnson. Inside the MuseumThe interior of the building is just as impressive as the outside. The expansive 55-meter high light-filled atrium effortlessly pumps visitors around to the museum’s nineteen galleries on three levels via curved walkways hung from the roof, glass elevators and stair turrets. Glass curtain walls made from cutting-edge technology allow light to fill the inside but protect it from heat and radiation. Many agree that the building itself, however, overshadows the art that it contains. The museum's collection concerns avant-garde, 20th century abstraction, and non-objective art—mostly in the form of installations and electronic forms instead of traditional paintings. The highlight of the collection, and its only permanent exhibit, is The Matter of Time, a series of weathering steel sculptures designed by Richard Serra. The SettingThe Guggenheim Bilbao stands commandingly in a slight curve in the River Nervion, yet remains fully integrated into the city’s urban structure. The complete panorama is best appreciated from the opposite bank and by crossing the Pedro Arrupe footbridge. Alternatively, crossing the seven-stories high Puente de la Salve allows you to slowly absorb the structure in its environment from an aerial point of view. At the opposite, city-side entrance, don’t miss Jeff Koon’s popular Puppy, a huge, colorful flower sculpture which has been kept as a permanent exhibit due to popular demand by Bilbao’s citizens. But Bilbao isn’t just a one-hit wonder. This largest city of Basque Country boasts an attractive old town, good seafood, and excellent tapas that are grounds to linger for a couple days after indulging in the astonishing man-made creation that the Guggenheim Bilbao is. Details for Your VisitThe €12.00 entrance fee is valid the whole day and includes an English-language audio guide. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10a.m.- 8p.m.; July and August also open on Mondays. Guided tours offered at 11:00, 12:30, 16:30, and 18:30. Closed on December 25th and January 1st. For more information see the Guggenheim Bilbao's website
The copyright of the article Spain Art Museums: The Guggenheim Bilbao in Spain Travel is owned by Stephen Bugno. Permission to republish Spain Art Museums: The Guggenheim Bilbao in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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