What is the Guggenheim Bilbao?
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one of the most important contemporary art institutions in Europe and a major cultural landmark in Spain. Part of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, it opened in 1997 as a symbol of Bilbao's urban regeneration, transforming a formerly industrial city.
Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the building has become a global icon of contemporary architecture. Its curving titanium-clad forms, combined with glass and limestone, challenge traditional construction and offer a unique aesthetic experience.
Location and how to get there
The museum is located in Bilbao, in the Basque Country, on the banks of the River Nervión, right in the heart of the revitalised Abandoibarra district. Its location is strategic: surrounded by green areas, close to the historic centre, and immersed in public art. Just walking there already feels like part of the experience.
Once you're in Bilbao, all roads seem to lead to the Guggenheim:
- Metro: Lines 1 and 2, Moyua Station (about 10-15 minutes on foot)
- Tram: Guggenheim stop
- Bus: Several urban lines stop nearby
If you're not in Bilbao yet, it's worth planning your trip and booking your tickets in advance. You can get there by car, train, bus or even by plane.
Need to book tickets for your trip?
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Did you know?
- The museum covers over 24,000 m², with 11,000 m² dedicated to exhibition galleries.
- Its interior is spread across three floors, connected by staircases, panoramic lifts and walkways. Everything revolves around a large central atrium lit by a skylight.
- The building is clad in 33,000 titanium panels, which create a shimmering, dynamic effect as daylight shifts.
- The famous "Guggenheim effect" refers to the economic and tourism boost the museum brought to Bilbao. Since its opening, the city has become a renowned cultural and travel destination.
Tickets and practical information
Tickets
- Adults: €15
- Students (aged 18-26), seniors, people with disabilities: €7.50
- Under 18s: Free admission
- Tickets can be purchased via the official website.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 to 19:00
- Closed on Mondays
- During high season (mid-June to mid-September): open daily, 10:00 to 20:00
Useful information
- Book online through the official website to avoid queues.
- Ticket sales close 30 minutes before the museum closes, and gallery rooms begin to close 15 minutes before that.
- Tickets are issued for a specific date and time and cannot be changed once purchased.
What to see at the Guggenheim Bilbao
Permanent exhibitions
These works are part of the Guggenheim Collection and the museum's own holdings. Highlights include:
"The Matter of Time" - Richard Serra
One of the museum's most iconic installations. Eight massive steel sculptures form a winding labyrinth that visitors can walk through and experience it directly. It offers a unique physical and sensory encounter.
"Puppy" - Jeff Koons
Located outside the main entrance, this giant dog-shaped sculpture made with real flowers that change with the seasons. It's a vibrant and eye-catching piece that never fails to draw attention.
"Maman" - Louise Bourgeois
This spider sculpture, over 9 metres tall and made of bronze and steel, is a powerful reflection on motherhood, memory and fear. It stands outside the museum, along the riverbank, as a symbol of both the strength and fragility of motherhood.
"Like Beauty In Flames" - Jenny Holzer
This LED installation displays texts in multiple languages and can be experienced with augmented reality through your phone, blending into the museum's architecture and atmosphere.
"Infinity Mirror Room" - Yayoi Kusama
An immersive installation of mirrors and lights, where the Japanese artist transforms her hallucinations into mystical visions, as if surrounded by cosmic dust in an infinite universe. This piece has limited visitor capacity, so it's best to reserve your slot in advance via the museum's app.
"Rising Sea" - El Anatsui
A powerful work by the Ghanaian artist. It consists of an entire wall covered in undulating aluminium bottle tops, creating a striking visual effect. The piece offers a reflection on the risks of climate change, the history of Africa and the legacy of colonialism.
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Works by major artists such as Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, Yves Klein and Anselm Kiefer.
Temporary exhibitions
The museum regularly hosts high-profile international exhibitions, featuring painting, sculpture, video, installation, fashion and photography. Check the official website before your visit to see what will be on during your travel dates.
Dicas Extras para Aproveitar ao Máximo
- Set aside 2.5 to 3 hours for a complete and relaxed visit.
- Start outside: see the Puppy and Maman sculptures, and the building's monumental façade. It's a great moment for photos and getting into the atmosphere. After all, the Guggenheim's greatest artwork is the museum itself.
- Audio guide: included with your ticket.
- Visit early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid peak times.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the museum is large and involves a fair amount of walking.
- Free lockers are available, ideal for bags and coats.
- Use the museum app for an interactive tour in your language.
- If you're into architecture, walk around the building to admire its reflection in the river and the nearby bridges.
- The museum shop has a fantastic selection of books on art, design and well-curated souvenirs.
- Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the museum.
- The Guggenheim Bistro and the Michelin-starred Nerua restaurant serve modern Basque cuisine and it's worth booking in advance.
- Combine your visit with the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, just a 10-minute walk away.
- On weekends, from 2 pm on Saturdays, street parking near the museum becomes free.
