Bilbao Art Galleries
The enormous
Guggenheim
Museum was designed by US architect Frank Gehry and built in shiny titanium.
It is located on 24,000 square metres of former dockland next to the Nervión
River and is the most visible evidence of the Basque government's plans to
revitalize the industrial city of Bilbao.
The Guggenheim has been nicely described as a "homage to Bilbao's industrial
past and commitment to its future."
Indeed Gehry based the design of the Guggenheim on the shapes of a fish and a
boat, two important elements in the history of this former industrial city whose
chief activities were shipbuilding and fishing.
Certainly its development has injected new life into Bilbao and the city is
now a popular short break location attracting tourists from all over the world
many of whom arrive at the city's ultra modern airport which is another element
of the redevelopment of the region.
The museum was
developed in co-operation with the Guggenheim Foundation to provide a
European showcase for the Foundation's unmatched collection of 20th
century art which rotates between Bilbao, Venice and New York. Its permanent collection includes works by artists from the late 20th century
and the museum plays host to temporary exhibitions from New York.
Other Bilbao Galleries
Museo de Bellas Artes (Plaza del Museo 2)
Tues-Sat 10am-8pm;
Sun 10am-2pm
The Museo de Bellas Artes is high on Spain's list
of main art galleries. Its chief exhibits include works by Spanish masters
Velázquez, Goya, Zurbarán, and (Greece born) El Greco. There is a modern section
including works by Picasso and Sorolla as well as many works by Basque artists
of the last century. Museo Vasco
(Plaza Miguel de Unamuno, 4)
Tues-Sat: 11am-5pm;
Sun: 11am-2pm.
This museum in the centre of the old city is dedicated to the Basque country and
provides an insight into the history of this fascinating land.
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