Last updated September 2022
I really like Bilbao. I would go back without hesitation and its famous modern art museum – The Guggenheim Bilbao – was my favourite part of it.
Of course, there is a lot more to Bilbao than just this. I will be writing more about that soon too! Spain has so much to offer! But for today, the focus is exclusively on the museum.
The building itself is amazing – all silver and sleek. I can’t remember what it is meant to look like but it does look like a spaceship or a sea creature.
It opened in 1997 and it has become renowned worldwide since then. There is a time capsule for 1997 of course. Very interesting to see it, to see the culture from then so there is a mixture of films, documentaries, newspapers and more. It is called The Airlock. It was especially fun to see a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as the book was published in 1997.
In general, I am not a big fan of modern art as I don’t understand it BUT I loved my visit to The Guggenheim Bilbao! It is fun to wander as it is very interactive and also because there is a big mixture of installations, they are all unique. It is easy to admire, to question, to be interested. I loved my time there.
The art installations around the building add extra excitement. You do not want to miss any of them, trust me. We walked around there a few times as it is unique, fun and interesting. There was a great busker when we were there at night-time too so that even improved the experience! He played a cover of “Hallelujah” so there was just a lovely atmosphere all around.
As an adult, the ticket is a bit expensive but it is well worth the money as you can spend a lot of time exploring the outside and inside of the museum. To read to get you in the mood: Dan Brown’s Origin. It talks about a lot of the exhibits and it also talks about Barcelona and Madrid.
Here is your guide to the art you can see on the outside before entering:
- The building itself. It is designed by Frank O. Gehry.
- “Red Arches” by Daniel Buren – a red bridge beside the museum. To me, it looks a little similar to The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco..
- “Maman” by Louise Bourgeois – the spider. Reminds me of wizards’ wands.
- “Fire Fountain” by Yves Klein. Fire shooting from the water
- “Fog Sculpture #08025 (F.O.G.)” by Fujiko Nakaya. Fog over the water
- “Tulips” by Jeff Koons – To me, a Willy Wonka lollies crossed with reeds
- “Tall Tree & the Eye” by Anish Kapoor. A pillar of shiny steel balls.
- “Puppy” by Jeff Koons. The large flowered dog. Not real flowers but they really look real. Birds seem to think they are real too as they were flying in and out.
Note: Jeff Koons is an American artist whose works are usually quite controversial. As well as designing two of the installations here, he has also created a number of works in New York and he recently designed a work in Paris to commemorate the victims of the attacks in November 2015.
Now let’s move to the inside of the building:
After buying your ticket you should first go into the room to the right of the ticket desk. Here you will find a little room lined with mirrors that shows a film depicting the Guggenheim with dramatic music. The room is dark which aids the creation of the atmospheric experience.
The Ground Floor contains this room and a viewing platform for the outdoor installations (the pond, tulips and more). It also contains a 1997 time capsule, called the “Airlock.” There is also an art installation in a huge space, it feels a bit like an airplane hangar. To experience this installation you must walk a lot which is great exercise. I enjoy art that is interactive so I really enjoyed this experience. The installation is called ” A Matter of Time” by Richard Serra. It is made up of 8 individual pieces.
The 1st Floor has a mix of installations. All worth checking out.
The 2nd Floor has more modern pieces such as works by Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol. So there really is something to interest everyone. And there are works by artists from all over the world.
Why you need to visit at night-time:
You are in for a treat! I think this was probably one of my favourite nights this year which is really saying something. There is a lot of competition but I do think so, it was very fun! We probably spent an hour there but the time flew by. The fog starts on the hour and lasts around 10 minutes, more at night-time, or at least, it is easier to see. The fire is shoots every 5 minutes so if you go at 9 pm or 10 pm then you will see the fire and the fog, very impressive.
Address:
Avenida Abandoibarra, 2
Opening times:
Monday: Closed (apart from in July and August)
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00
Website:
https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en
Social media:
Admission fee:
Adults: €15
Student (Under 26) and OAPs: €7.50
Groups (of more than 20): €12
Children and Members: Free
Toilets:
Yes
Café:
No
Shop:
Yes
Can I take photographs?
Yes
I hope this post helps you understand The Guggenheim Museum better and will entice you to go. Next week will bring a list of all the top attractions you should visit in Bilbao.
