This is the late 20th century opus of American architect Frank Gehry. As an architect, i am always amazed at what some architects can get build. Thus, this always perplexed me. However in situ, it makes total sense. At a human scale its underpinnings line up with the surrounding buildings and the river it sits upon. The curvilinear forms are symbolic of the ships once built on this ground in the early 20th century. As an icon and symbol of basque pride. Interestingly, it also plays homage to Frank Lloyd Wright's opus the original Guggenheim in NYC. The Art? The building is the art. I will let others comment on its success as a gallery. However, it is perhaps the one of the greatest pieces of architecture of our time. Post Modern deconstructionist Master Work read more

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I recommend buying advance tickets online! I did that and got to skip a very long ticket line. Some cool stuff here for sure! I came in August of 2026 and there was a big Jasper Johns exhibit and a big Ruth Asawa exhibit. It feels like quite a large proportion of the museum is devoted to specific exhibits like that, rather than having long corridors with a diverse assortment. I like to be pleasantly surprised by different takes on art as I turn every corner, and there isn't as much of that here. But that's just my taste. Whether or not that's true for you, this is a large facility, and the building and grounds themselves are a pleasure to explore. Some of you, and I include myself here, definitely would wish for more seating in the galleries than you'll find here. They are pretty strict about bringing in metal objects and bags and things. I actually am not sure what those specifics are; I had a backpack and they told me to check it in with them. Had to wait in line and give it to them and everything. read more

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This museum was the main reason why I chose to visit Bilbao during my recent trip to Spain. It had been on my bucket list for years! I've visited the Guggenheim museums in NYC and Venice and I have to say that this building had the most unique architecture of them all so far. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum is a deconstructionist building with over 33,000 titanium plates. Located along the Nervion River, the industrial backdrop of Bilbao blends in with the metallic look of the museum. The interior seems a bit jumbled, which is a contrast to the sleekness of the exterior. Stairwells jut here and there, it didn't seem like there was a real flow. In terms of the collection, while I was here there was an exhibition of Jasper Johns, and while I'm not a huge fan but know his work, it was interesting. I found that the exhibits were on the niche side, albeit very comprehensive with retrospectives of their work. I really liked viewing the installation piece by Richard Serra, The Matter of Time. Also being a fan of Jeff Koons, the live Puppy outdoor sculpture is amazing to view. Honestly, I was more impressed with the architecture rather than the art here. read more

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Great museum. Many art pieces we have not seen in New York. My favorite always the old school sculptures. read more

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The museum is designed by Frank Gehry. Even if you don't go inside, the building itself is a work of art. There sculptures outside the museum are also worth a visit, including "Puppy" by Jeff Koons and "Maman" by Louise Bourgeois. We caught "F.O.G." by Fujiko Nakaya, which is active every hour on the hour- hours are dependent on the month. "Red Arches" by Daniel Burenbhas has a lighting show and "Fire Fountain" by Yves Klein are both active in the evening. The museum consists of contemporary and modern art. I'm not a big museum person, but there were things that I enjoyed. I was pleasantly surprised to see one of Yayoi Kusama's infinity mirrored rooms- "A Wish for Human Happiness Calling from Beyond the Universe". I wished they let you in the room longer when there wasn't much of a line. "The Matter of Time" by Richard Sierra on the ground floor was also fun to walk around/through. The second floor was mostly closed, so we didn't get the full experience. Overall, the museum is a must if you're in Bilbao. read more

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My brother and I spent four days in Bilbao (first mistake) so knew we had to take a visit to the Museo Guggenheim. I had just visited the Manhattan Guggenheim in May, so wanted to see how Bilbao shaped up. Well folks, I can attest that Bilbao too is an architectural triumph. Art-wise, however, it was a bit of a mistake. I really enjoyed Maria da Silva's Anatomy of Space exhibit, as well as Kusama's Infinity Mirror Room. Unfortunately, that's about where it stopped. Barbara Kruger's "Another Day, Another Night" felt like a relic from the George Bush administration (middle school called, they want their ideology back) in its tired critique of American culture. I found Sky Hopinka's exploration of American Indiginious culture through "ethnopoetic cinema" to be more of the same, albeit lazier in execution. The other exhibits (art in conflict, pop art, etc.) didn't stand out to me. My all time favorite part of the museum was the bathroom (pictured), which they smothered in a strong fruity pebbles scent. They also had a speaker that said "I love you" in a creepy woman's voice every 20 seconds which, combined with the enveloping fruity pebble scent, was quite the novel urinal experience. read more

Museo Guggenheim Bilbao - The Fruity Pebbles scented bathroom - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bilbao, BI

One of the most beautiful museums architecturally! Even if you don't get in the museum the structure itself and the installations on the outside are worth a visit. We got tickets to enjoy the exhibits within and enjoyed them. Im not a huge artist buff so we mainly walked around leisurely and had a good time. Bilbao in general is a quaint Basque Country city is worth a visit! read more

It's around €30 to get in. For me art is like faith - if one has faith - it's deeply personal and private and that's how it will remain. I prefer paintings to sculpture and I'm not a fan of animals chainsawed in pieces, bathed in formaldehyde, and put on display. Nor un-made beds lauded as such. I have seen art that has just stopped me in my tracks and for years I enjoyed visiting museums but as my already poor sight diminishes it's not as rewarding as it once was. What was annoying around this museum were the beggars - mobile phones and cigarettes in hand - and they are aplenty around the centre of Bilbao too. One young guy had it well sussed as when people said they only had credit cards and phones to pay he escorted victims into local cafes for food and coffee. He even helpfully knew the locations of bank cash machines. Oh I had a friend who went insane progressively and is now dead but as he sunk into insanity he became more and more convinced that formaldehyde (pH3, -92c melting point and -19c boiling point) was responsible for all human disaster including wars, cancers and he set about writing to politicians, Royalty and the media to alert them to this world-ending threat. I only remembered this triggered by the formaldehyde animals. read more

Seems more of a children's museum. Art is uninspired and juvenile. Simple household debris and silly objects that only embarrass the people who celebrate them. read more

I am not a big modern art aficionado, but it was the Guggenheim and I happened to be there during International Museum Day, where many of the museums offered free entrance. I decided to check it out. The inside is kind of overwhelming with many floors and many angles and sections within each floor to get lost into, if you would like. Many of the most famous modern art masters have pieces displayed here. I could not stop chuckling when I saw the upside down floating Pinocchio on a pool of water.....that's art for you !!!! read more

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Dissapointing start. Only very heavy bags could be stored. So wet raincoats and smaller bags had to be taken into the museum (Backpacks and large suitcases are stored) We left. .. ​ read more

Very nice place to visit at Bilbao Spain. So touristy, a lot of restaurants, bars and shops. Metro Ride is great and cheap. read more

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The highlight of the lovely city of Bilbao is the Guggenheim, and I spent two lovely hours here today with friends. I got a free pass from the conference I'm in Bilbao for, but the admission price is not too high (€16). My top five: (1) Torqued Ellipses, Snake, and other massive sculptures by Richard Serra - which take up an enormous space on the ground floor (2) Tulips and Puppy - both by Jeff Koons (3) The outdoor area - especially Anish Kapoor's "Tall Tree & The Eye" (4) Eduardo Chillida's alabaster and pink granite sculptures (5) Head of a Woman - by Pablo Picasso There was plenty more to see and admire, but that's what museum guidebooks are for. Enjoy! read more

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An evening stroll amongst the Guggenheim museum. Fun facts: Jeff Koons sculpture Puppy sits 12 metres high. He built this sculpture for the Documenta in Kassel 1992. Nowadays its place is permanently at the front of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao read more

Museo Guggenheim Bilbao - Backdrop of a blue evening sky - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bilbao, BI

What a wonderful museum! Everything from the architecture to the unique pieces selected to represent contemporary art are very special. Highly recommend visitors minimally utilize the audio tour, but if possible, contract, and art expert to accompany you through the Museum. Suggest you start outside and take a look at the art installations and the unique design of the building. You can easily cover the Museum in two hours if you're on a fast track but suggest you get a wristband take a break come back and revisit so that you can cover the things you love or anything that you missed. There is delightful coffee bar, outdoor seating where you can grab refreshments. Also, on the premises is a Michilin star restaurant that does require reservations. Bilbo is a lovely city, and this museum is a must see when you're in the area. read more

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I honestly was underwhelmed by the musem. Don't get me wrong, the outside surrounding area is definitely worth a visit; however, the inside felt like a void of space with minimal art. Highlights: + General admission was €16. Though Seniors (65+ ) and students had reduced rate of €8, and kids under 18 were free + It is recommended to purchase time tickets through their website. I would go earlier or later in the day, especially when cruise ships are in town + There were 3 floors accessible via stairs or by elevator. One important note is that there are actually two elevator areas (opposing sides) that service the floors. If one is crowded, head over to the other one. + Due to covid, there are no physical maps; however, there is the option to scan a QR code to get to the museum audio guide. If you don't have international data, make sure to take this into account and try to download it prior to going there. + The architecture and sculptures are spectacular. While their permanent collection was relatively small that was on display, the pieces were interesting . +Richard Serra's La Materia del tiempo was an interesting interactive maze + Anselm Kiefer's works on the top level are stunning + Andy Warhol's 100 Madonnas was what you would expect of his work + Even Robert Indiana had a spot in the collection Overall, it was a nice one and done visit unless they had some specific exhibit that I would want to visit. Honestly, just spending time outside of the museum and looking at the sculptures and bridge from a distance would be a nice way to spend some time. There is a fountain that was enjoyed by those wishing to cool off and a cafe nearby outside as well. read more

Museo Guggenheim Bilbao - The Renowned Orders of the Night (Die berühmten Orden der Nacht) Anselm Kiefer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bilbao, BI

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The most famous building in Bilbao and rightfully so. I spent a lot of time just staring at it and taking it all in. It's a stunning, creative and wild piece of architecture which is totally worth the hype. Make sure to check out the puppy in the front which is the largest flower sculpture in the world. The art inside was awesome. My favorite which was a surprise to me were all the classic cars they had on display. I am not a car person but these were beautiful. read more

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Aloha, when trekking through Europe, the Bilbao Museum is a fun modern designed exhibition of great art. I so enjoyed wondering through the floors of art. Some interactive too! There's a huge "puppy" that greets you upon arrival, LOL. You can't help but start to smile, as you know you'll be entertained. Reasonably priced, great art. Loved the Miro's, so cool! Enjoy! read more

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Finally made it to the Museo Guggenheim Bilbao one of the architectural marvels in the world by Frank Gehry. Take your time walking the grounds outside enjoying the stainless steel. The flower Puppy, the Louise Bourgeois spider Book your tickets ahead online pull up the tickets on your phone and you just walk into the museum skipping the long lines. The highlights of the collection are on the 3rd floor Rothko, Warhol, Basquiat,, 2nd floor has special exhibition Also great gift shop to bring a little something, me a tshirt & glass back home read more

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Even though I thought modern art wasn't my thing, I was blown away by this place and it's collection. It alone is a reason to put Bilbao on your bucket list of travel recommendations. We spent a couple hours taking it in but didn't feel at all overwhelmed or intimidated. Our private guide Sergio took us to all the best viewpoints ensuring we took in all the iconic pieces from the puppy to the tulips to the spider. We also really enjoyed the newly opened exhibition on the design of cars featuring dozens of fanciful vehicles and concept cars. The Frank Gehry designed building is an amazing work itself with a soaring atrium and eye catching angles of titanium, limestone and glass. In the evening we wandered back by and took in the flames that shoot out of the reflecting pool at 5-minute increments as well as the the hauntingly beautiful fog machine that goes off at the top of each hour. The combination was electrifying. The top site in Bilbao for a reason. read more

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Ever since I read Dan Brown's book, Origin, released in 2017, I knew I had to check out the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao! I was able to see it recently and I was blown away. The exterior is obviously mind-blowing and I thoroughly enjoyed the giant spider and puppy. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the interior. I did explore the inside of the museum but honestly, it was not really worth it and I do not recommend going in unless you really have nothing better to do. I would just hang around the bridge and watch the fire, fog, or whatever other crazy thing happens! Bilbao is the best! read more

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An experience, for sure. Perhaps better appreciated by someone with a more complex palate for modern art. The cafe was quite good, though! read more

Museo Guggenheim Bilbao - First floor - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bilbao, BI

I remember looking at Frank Gehry's work when I was in architecture school and thinking, what the hell drugs is this guy on? So when I had an opportunity to travel to Spain, you can bet on it that I was gonna see this museum. I have already been to the Guggenheim in New York and Venice, so going to not just the museum but an architecturally interesting building was an added plus. And to add to all of that, there was an exhibition of Sir Norman Foster! Yes!! We walked to the museum so approaching the building is part of my architectural experience. Entering the building and any other museum for that matter, you must check in large bags and what not. But once you are in that space, how it open up, is amazing. The way you approach the exhibition you are led from one room to another. It really was quite amazing to experience the openness of the room, yet if felt intimate. After touring the museum and the exhibits, one must stop at the museum shop for souvenirs. And then you need to stop at the museum cafe. I really enjoyed this museum and out of the three Guggenheim museums I have been to, this is my favorite. read more

There are some major highlights to this museum, but outside of those, the museum is actually quite underwhelming. If you have never been to Bilbao before, this is definitely a destination, but I feel like it's not quite worth returning after you've seen it once. I personally believe that all the highlights can be see from outside the museum, no purchase necessary: -Puppy by Jeff Koons - this is really cute to see, and nothing I've seen anywhere else in the world!!! -Building itself by Guggenheim - quite beautiful to see. -Tulips by Jeff Koons - I have seen this in other locations such as the Broad Museum in Los Angeles, but nice to see it here too. This is technically inside the museum, but on the outdoor patio, which can be viewed from outside -Maman Spider by Louise Bourgeois - this is another one that is quite cool to see, a massive spider!!!! I hate spiders by all means, but this is one you don't want to miss. There are other locations of it around the world too, I've been lucky to see it in Japan. And honestly, that's about it. I can't remember anything I saw on the inside that genuinely impressed me - all skippable. It was super hot inside, made me sleepy. Also, the museum itself was quite small in terms of quantity of works - we finished the whole museum in about 30 mins. Worth to see once in your lifetime, but not any more times than that! read more

I'm not a big museum guy, but when in Bilbao and a 15 minute walk from the Guggenheim, you go. My friend and I enjoyed the museum for about an hour and a half, so I felt we got our money's worth. They had some augmented reality app that didn't quite work right, and the audio guide is on your phone so make sure you bring headphones... we didn't know so we didn't. Felt like I missed out there. read more

Museo Guggenheim Bilbao - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bilbao, BI

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A massive, beautiful building next to the river with hardly any art, very disappointing! A gargantuan hall on the ground floor is dedicated to just a few massive cement 'art' structures that lead you on a long maze-like walk inside only to find nothing at the end. What a waste of space. Half of the museum was closed and the other half had very few objects of art on the walls, unless the white walls are considered art of course. The sole highlight was a huge Andy Warhol with dozens of Warhol's iconic Marilyn Monroe image, each with various colorings integrated into a continuous whole across the entire piece. Otherwise, it was a lot of walking and big letdown, do not waste your money. CombatCritic Gives Museo Guggenheim Bilbao 3 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better! read more

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Ease of getting in. Modern art collection. They have themes. I like the outdoor collection. I did not see the bear with flowers read more

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Never been a fan of modern art and this is no exception. Bland mediocre pieces that mimic trite graffitti from across the globe. The building itself had more thought than ANY of the pieces contained within it. The oversized badminton shuttlecock was the largest piece and was yawn-evoking. I guess I lack sophistication, but I'm okay with that. read more

If you are traveling through Northern Spain, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a museum that one should visit. This museum is similar to the modern and contemporary art museum in NYC. We had a private tour which provided us an efficient and timely way to enjoy the museum. My favorite part of my visit was all of the contemporary art paintings and architecture read more

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Was left totally in awe after my visit.While, yes, Gehry's work is amazing, it was the Jenny Holzer exhibition that will bring you to your knees. I had to take a break in the afternoon to grab some air and regroup. The whole experience was unparalleled. Truly a feast for the senses. The way this titanium masterpiece of architecture captures the light is ridiculous. Some say you can visit in a few hours, but do yourself a favor and block off an entire day or two for this magnificence.It's massive and mind-blowing. Be sure not to miss the outdoor light show right on the Nervion. Stunning! read more

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There are two things to do in Bilbao. Eat pinxtos and visit the Guggenheim. It's an excellent museum, inside and out. Structurally unique and worth photographing all over. The art? Amazing. Lots of sculptures. I was particularly impressed with the massive installation by Richard Serra, "Torqued Spiral" which is fine to photograph from ground level but not from above? There are Bill Viola advertisements all around Bilbao, so I did have to look at some of his art. The one with the people in water? Didn't get it at all. Same with the Schwarz (Remix) paintings. What I did like was the pointilism paintings, especially Signac's "Mont Saint-Michel". You can easily spend two or three hours here. Well worth it. read more

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WRONG HOURS ON YELP! Closed Mondays Good thing I'm in town Tuesday and Wednesday as well See photos. Yelp says open. Museum entrance says closed. Museum is correct. --- Added after visiting on Tuesday. The Bilbao Guggenheim is an amazing complex. I recall reading that back in the day (1959), when the first NY Guggenheim was built, the artists were worried that it would over shadow the art, which I don't think was going on when I used to go there often. It is totally happening here. Between the building being utterly on a huge and different scale than Frank Lloyd Wright's building in NY, and the Guggenheim becoming a chain museum (how many now? NY, Bilbao, Venice, Dubai, Orlando?, Anaheim?, Dollywood?) they have to rummage around in the basement to put stuff on the walls. The spaces are so vast that smaller works get lost. The building itself is an awesome walk-in sculpture. The rest seems pretty vanilla.They've got one of those big permanent Serra installations, that are also being stamped out somewhere. FIve stars for the building alone. Go here. read more

Museo Guggenheim Bilbao - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bilbao, BI

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The museo is really stunning from afar...and it gets even more beautiful as you approach it and notice all the different art pieces surrounding it. I had a great time here, wandering outdoors and indoors! The price for admission is fair and you can purchase tickets online beforehand. There are also free audio guides and a few levels to discover! Sure some of the art may not be to everyone's taste, but that's art right? It's supposed to make you feel something, no matter what feeling that may be! Anyway, I certainly enjoyed my time here and ended up spending a few hours exploring around. Go here if you can...the drive is worth it! read more

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It has made the renaissance of Bilbao the city that was rebuilt from chaos, pollution and poverty. And while the museum itself is bah-humbug, its contribution to this LOVELY LOVELY LOVELY city can't be overlooked. A must quick tour on the outside. Not much to see inside unless you are a modern art lover (which I am not) with very limited collection. But it sets the pace for the city that has become a place that welcomes you with open arms! I LOVE BILBAO! read more

I guess I expected a lot more. I'm not a museum goer but the Guggenheim? Ya gotta go, right? And it's 10 euro admission fee isn't a killer so we decided to give it a go. I regret my decision. The best part of this museum is the building itself and the artwork on the outside. So save yourself some euro and walk around the building and up and down the steps. You can enter and use the bathroom without paying the entrance fee. read more

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Gayle and I stopped at the Guggenheim as we were travelling from Santillana del Mar down to Santo Domingo de la Calzada. We had seem the pictures of this Frank Gehry designed building, listened to the hype, and since we were in the area, why not? And for a guy who get's really nervous driving within European Cities, the Museum is pretty easy to find. Nearby (and relatively inexpensive) parking at the nearby Mall helped too. We also visited on a Saturday that was some sort of Anniversary, so admission was free. The Building itself is the most notable modern art at the Guggenheim. It's cool, spacious, and stunning inside and out. As for the collections, I enjoyed the abstract paintings and had fun walking around Richard Serra's huge "Matter of Time" structures. Past that, I've seen better at both the Reina Sofia in Madrid and Museu Colecção Berardo in Belem (Portugal). As such, Gayle and I spent more time within and outside of the Building, than looking at the exhibitions. There's also a handsome 2-story gift shop and fine dining available on the premises. One of the most impressive features of Frank Gehry's curvy titanium design is how it interacts with the City (and in fluid harmony with the River), and how Bilbao has apparently interacted with the Museum since. Looking at the nearby La Salve Bridge is a case in point. Gayle and I got to see this again at the Marqués de Riscal "City of Wine" in La Rioja, also designed by Frank Gehry. read more

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I arrived in Bilbao a day early, which allowed me to adjust to the time difference. The hotel staff recommended the Guggenheim, which was about a 10 minute walk from the hotel. What an impressive museum! I must have spent at least 5 hours exploring the museum and it's many works of modern art. The staff was friendly and incredibly helpful. From the moment I arrived and throughout my experience, I felt welcomed by the museum staff. I had plenty of questions about the physical structure of the museum - staff were enthusiastic and willing to share. It was obvious that they were proud of their museum, which they explained was a big part of Bilbao. I hope to return at some point with my children so that they explore this amazing museum. read more

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Thank goodness for Frank Gehry as the building and the outside art was the only thing I liked about the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The whole second floor was dedicated to anti-American and anti-men rhetoric. The first floor has very expensive mazes and the top floor had third rate portrait and still-life art. Save 17€ and just walk around the building as there are great photos to be had. read more

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An absolutely stunning structure in and of itself -- there's nothing else like it. Even empty, this building would be worthy of awards. Add in the exhibits and it becomes a fantastic museum of art. If you are in or near Bilbao, you owe it to yourself to visit. read more

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I loved it here. It's not the biggest of museums but it has some of the best pieces, Rauschenberg, Warhol, Ruscha, and cool installations. It's kinda packed, so if its too crazy, just enjoy the art that's outside! read more

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