Guggenheim Bilbao
The Guggenheim is the landmark building of Bilbao. It was an extraordinarily
farsighted decision by the local burghers to locate it here. The initial idea
met with much opposition. Why spend such an enormous sum of money on one
building? Couldn’t the money be spent on better things? Who’s going to come here
anyway, just to look at a museum? Luckily for Bilbao, the proposers of the
scheme persevered and the rest, as they say, is history.
Almost overnight Bilbao was transformed from a backwater to be avoided to a must
see destination.Within the first years of the museum opening hundreds of
thousands of tourist began to pour into the city just to see the Guggenheim.
Bilbao was changed forever. Then came the obvious knock on effects of hotels
opening, the airport expanding, upgrading of all facilities, extra employment
etc etc. Today the advances continue as Bilbao continues to strive to make
itself a tourist friendly destination.
The Guggenheim was designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry. It opened in
1997. It’s hard to come up with new descriptions of the Guggenheim. There is no
doubt though that it is one of the most extraordinary and beautiful buildings
you will see anywhere. Standing by the side of the river, its soft undulating
lines represent, if anything, a shipping vessel. It’s clad with hundreds of
silvery titanium plates which change in tone with the light of the day, and
given the constantly changing Bilbao weather the museum transforms itself on a
continuous basis from morning until night. For the best view of the Guggenheim,
cross back again to the other side of the river where you can see it in its full
perspective.
Take a seat at 05 Crazy Horse Pub (Bilbao’s original British pub, live music and
imported beers) and marvel at the stupendous sight across the river. The more
beer you consume the better the theories as to what the shape of the Guggenheim
really represents!
The Guggenheim itself is just as fascinating inside as out. I sincerely believe
most people don’t really care what’s on exhibition they just go in to gaze at
the breathtaking interior design. Spectacular walkways suspended from the
ceiling link the 19 galleries spread over three floors. A good head for heights
is necessary, You can spend all your time just wandering these walkways,
marveling at the interior contours, the design, the use of light or just looking
out at the river views.
Exhibits vary. Some are permanent and others rotate on a six month basis. See
the
Guggenheim Bilbao Official Website for more information.
Outside the Guggenheim at the front entrance is Puppy. Puppy is the giant floral
coated mascot of the museum. A giant sculpture in the shape of a dog it is
covered in multi coloured layers of flowers. It is quite stunning and is just as
photographed by the hordes of tourists as the museum itself.
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