Get a dose of modern and contemporary art in an unusual place! We take you to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
If you’re visiting the Spanish Basque Country, then the Guggenheim Museum is a must-see in this charming region. With its astonishing architecture by Frank Gehry, and its collections of works that have marked the history of art, you’re sure to have a great time. And best of all, with its 32,500 square meters of floor space, you’ll have time to be surprised in every nook and cranny!
In this guide to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, we share with you all the practical information you need to know for a trouble-free visit. Ready for a new cultural escapade? Let’s go.
A few words about the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Iakov Filimonov
In October 1997, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation opened a new museum in the presence of King Juan Carlos of Spain. The inauguration marked the culmination of many years’ work to establish this heir to the Guggenheim New York, which had opened some forty years earlier.
The city of Bilbao was quickly chosen as the site for the museum, as the idea was to boost the Spanish Basque region. Indeed, the area is going through a difficult economic crisis and a delicate transition. The installation of such a facility is therefore intended to restore the region’s image.
With its titanium structure, characteristic of Frank Gehry’s style, and its successful collections, the Guggenheim Bilbao quickly achieved its goal. Over the years, it has become one of the world’s best-known buildings for modern and contemporary art. The Guggenheim Bilbao also attracts a growing number of tourists and creates many new jobs!
Even today, the Guggenheim Bilbao is an example of urban architecture using the four elements, and a must-see spot for lovers of iconic works.
Our tips for visiting the Guggenheim in Bilbao
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Migel
Looking for an easy way to visit the Guggenheim Bilbao? Then follow our recommendations for exploring the famous museum without missing a beat. Art lovers and novices alike are welcome to enjoy this unique aesthetic experience.
The best time to visit the Guggenheim in Bilbao
We recommend a morning visit to the Guggenheim Bilbao. This allows you to take the time you need to tour this immense building. Also, afternoon visits are often denser, with a much greater flow of visitors.
How long does a visit to the Guggenheim Bilbao last?
You can expect to spend between 2 and 3 hours on a self-guided tour. Guided tours can take a little longer. Again, take your time not only to visit the collections, but also to explore the museum’s surroundings, which are well worth a visit.
Practical information
- The museum has easy access for people with reduced mobility and/or in wheelchairs;
- If you are coming with children, the museum recommends that you consult a short explanatory video on its website to avoid accidents or unintentional damage;
- You can request a stroller or baby carrier from the checkroom;
- Pets are not allowed inside the museum, except for guide dogs;
- Bulky objects larger than 35 x 35 cm and food are not allowed.
What to do when you visit the Guggenheim in Bilbao
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Rudy Mareel
The permanent collection
Let yourself be seduced by the museum’s must-see works of art. You may even have seen them in magazines or art history books! After all, the Guggenheim is packed with famous works by artists who left their mark on their time.
For example, you’ll be able to admire paintings by the painter Mark Rothko, as well as stunning installations by Jeff Koons. California artist Richard Serra and Germany’s Anselm Kiefer are also featured.
Last but not least, you’ll be amazed by Joseph Beuys’ « Lightning illuminating a deer », Jorge Oteiza’s « Metaphysical box by the conjunction of two trihedrons », and the wealth of works by the incredible Louise Bourgeois.
Temporary exhibitions
Exhibitions at the Guggenheim Bilbao are never the same. Thanks to its aura in the cultural world, the museum takes the liberty of hosting many eclectic exhibitions related to modern and contemporary art.
The museum has seen exhibitions on the Roaring Twenties, learning through art, and Cecilia Bengolea’s works in movement.
The building
As we explained in the introduction, the Guggenheim in Bilbao stands out for its extraordinary 20th-century avant-garde architecture. So don’t hesitate to take a tour of the exterior of Frank Gehry’s spectacular work. You’ll also come across Louise Bourgeois’s famous spider (« Maman »)…
The activities
Whether you’re with adults or children, a visit to the Guggenheim Bilbao is not complete without an art-related activity. You can take part in group discussions about art, attend a concert or share an « artistic » meal.
Find out all about it directly on the Guggenheim website.
How much does a ticket to the Guggenheim Bilbao cost?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Dolores Giraldez Alonso
An adult ticket purchased online costs €16, and €18 if bought directly at the box office. Prices are halved for students and pensioners.
The museum is free for under-18s.
You can pick up your ticket online or at the ticket office. If you pick it up at the ticket office, bear in mind that only credit card payment is authorized.
Are there guided tours of the Guggenheim in Bilbao?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Naeblys
The ticket price includes an audioguide in the form of a mobile app, so you can enjoy your visit and get essential information about the collection and exhibitions.
Would you like to find out more about the museum and discover the secret behind each work? Then opt for a free « express » tour with a guide! It lasts 30 minutes and introduces the highlights of the museum. In other words, it’s an introductory tour.
You can also opt for a guided group tour. The price is €85, regardless of the number of people in the group (between five and twenty). These last 60 minutes and give you an in-depth view of the site.
Are there combined visits to other Bilbao monuments?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MuseoBBAABilbao
For an extended stay in Bilbao, we invite you to take a look at the Bilbao Bizkaia Card. This allows visitors to move around the city easily, obtain discounts and gain access to cultural institutions, including the Guggenheim Museum.
It also gives you access to the city’s Museum of Fine Arts!
Practical information about the Bilbao Bizkaia Card
Depending on the length of your stay, you can choose between three formats: 24 hours for €10, 48 hours for €15 and 72 hours for €20.
You can buy this pass directly from the Bilbao tourist office or online.
Guggenheim Bilbao opening hours
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Melanie Lemahieu
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm. It opens on certain Mondays throughout the year, so check the dates on the museum website.
The museum is also closed on December 25 and January 1. On December 24th and 31st, it closes at 5pm.
Please note that the ticket office closes half an hour before the museum closes.
How do I get to the Guggenheim in Bilbao?
The museum is located in the Abando district, next to the Ria de Bilbao and the Parque Republica de Abando. It’s therefore quite central, and you’ll have no trouble finding it on a visit to downtown Bilbao.
There are two entrances to the museum: a main façade and a façade facing the ria. Both entrances are wheelchair-accessible.
Where can I park near the Guggenheim in Bilbao?
We recommend parking at the Saba parking lot, close to Bilbao station, for €2.05 per hour.
Public parking is also available at Herriko Plaza or Ipark Madariaga. Both are covered.
Where to stay near the Guggenheim in Bilbao?
There’s no shortage of accommodation close to the Guggenheim! There’s something to suit every budget. You can opt for a hotel within walking distance of the museum, such as the Pension Miribilla. There’s also a Carlton hotel close to the Guggenheim. Don’t hesitate to use a hotel comparator to make the right choice.
If you prefer personalized accommodation, you can also choose to select a homestay or private apartment on Airbnb, for example.
Enjoy your visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and share your experience with us in the comments section!