Far and away the most popular attraction in the Basque region (and the 10th most visited in Spain) is the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao.
Guggenheim Museum origin story
The Guggenheim Foundation was looking for a city to build an museum to display modern masterpieces. Famous tourist destinations were considered, but likely balked at the high price tag for construction since the Guggenheim was looking to create a one of a kind space.
Additionally, the Guggenheim probably didn’t want to play second fiddle to other iconic attractions if they chose a city like Paris or London.
Then, Bilbao stepped to the plate.
The Basque government wooed the Guggenheim Foundation with a promise of paying the $100 million construction cost, $50 million artistic works acquisition cost, and a $20 million fee to offset operation costs. By winning the bid, Bilbao was able to build the museum, designed by Frank Gehry, in the dilapidated port neighborhood, which was completed in 1997.
The architecture of the museum is unlike anything else. Gehry successfully created a modern masterpiece that is truly unique. Even if you don’t want to go inside to see the exhibits, visiting the museum to see the structure and the outdoor artwork is a must!
The museum suffered a tragedy prior to opening when Basque separatists from ETA tried to set up a grenade launcher to attack the people attending the opening festivities. The plot was foiled but a police officer was shot dead.
Visiting the Guggenheim Museum
Today, the museum draws visitors from all over the world to an area that was blight ridden 30 years ago. The Guggenheim is filled with contemporary art exhibits that were specifically made for the museum as well as pieces from other well known artists like Andy Warhol and Richard Serra. My favorite work is “Tulips” by Jeff Koons who also created the popular “Puppy” sitting outside the entrance of the museum.
Getting to the Guggenheim Museum
Bilbao is in the Basque region of northern Spain near the French border. The airport (BIO) is well connected to the rest of Europe, but there are no direct flights to North America.
The museum is in the Abando neighborhood, right on the Nervión river. Bilbao is walkable and it’s easy to get to the museum from most parts of the city.
Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended.
About the Author
Brent Petersen is the Editor-in-Chief of Destination Eat Drink. He currently resides in Setubal, Portugal. Brent has written the novel “Truffle Hunt” (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection “That Bird.” He’s also written dozens of foodie travel guides to cities around the world on Destination Eat Drink, including in-depth eating and drinking guides in Spain to Madrid, Cordoba, Cadiz, Jerez, Haro, Logrono, and El Puerto de Santa Maria. Brent’s podcast, also called Destination Eat Drink, is available on all major podcasting platforms.
