Bilbao Attractions

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Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao © Spanish Tourist Board

Guggenheim Museum

Locals in Bilbao are divided on whether it is a 'beauty or a beast', but the bizarre multi-million dollar Guggenheim Museum, opened in 1997, has brought thousands of visitors flocking to the city to be awed or floored. The massive museum, designed by Frank Gehry has no right angles and resembles a metallic flower, clad in shiny titanium, sited in the former dockyard alongside the Nervion River. Inside, apart from breathtaking spaces, the museum houses the works of some important 20th century artists, including Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, Willem de Koonig and Clyfford Still. There are also sections displaying the work of young Basque and Spanish artists, and rotating exhibits lent by the Guggenheim museums in New York and Venice.

Address: Abandoibarra Et. 2; Telephone: 94 435 90 80; Website: www.guggenheim-bilbao.es; Transport: Metro to Moyua station, streetcar to Guggenheim stop; a variety of buses also service the museum; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 8pm (open Mondays between June and August); Admission: €10.50 (adults), children under 12 are free. Other concessions available

Museo de Bellas Artes

Museo de Bellas Artes

For a more mainstream artistic experience than that offered by the astonishing Guggenheim gallery, the Museo de Bellas Artes in the Plaza Museo fits the bill admirably with some valuable works on display behind an unassuming façade. The museum’s impressive collection spans art from the 12th to 20th century, highlights being some excellent Flemish works from between the 15th and 17th centuries. There are also works by El Greco, Goya, Gauguin, Francis Bacon, Picasso and Velazquez. To the rear of the building is a sculpture garden.

Address: Museo Plaza 2; Telephone: 94 439 6060; E-mail: info@museobilbao.com; Website: www.museobilbao.com; Transport: Metro to Moyúa station, or bus 1, 10, 13 and 18 to Museum Plaza; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 10am and 8pm; Admission: €5.50 (adults), children under 12 free, concessions €4

Museu Vasco

The Museu Vasco, also known as the Euskal Museoa or Basque Museum, is in the heart of the old quarter of the city, housed in a 17th century Jesuit cloister. The museum depicts Basque culture, history and ethnology, and its exhibits span a wide range of interests including: weaving, the blacksmith trade, pastoral life and maritime matters. The displays offer the chance to dip into Basque political and social life, using everything from model ships to reconstructions of rooms and gravestones.

Address: Plaza Miguel de Unamuno, 4; Telephone: 94 415 5423; E-mail: museoa@euskal-museoa.org; Website: www.euskal-museoa.org; Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm, Sundays 11am to 2pm; Admission: €3, concessions available. Free for children under 10 and senior citizens

City Hall

Bilbao's elegant city hall in the Plaza Erkoreka Ernesto dates from 1892 and was designed by Joaquin Rucoba with a spire and magnificent façade featuring balconies, columns and a sweeping staircase. The highlight of the interior is the 'Arab Room', an opulently decorated chamber used for civil marriage ceremonies. Guided tours, lasting about an hour are available; these need to be booked in advance by phone.

Telephone: 94 445 2828 (Reservations)