Designed by American architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao building represents a magnificent example of the most groundbreaking 20th-century architecture. With 24,000 m2, of which 11,000 are dedicated to exhibition space, the Museum represents an architectural landmark of audacious configuration and innovating design, providing a seductive backdrop for the art exhibited in it. Photography © FMGB, Guggenheim Bilbao Museoa, Bilbao, 2016
The Project for building a museum of modern and contemporary art in Bilbao goes back as far as 1991, when representatives of the Basque Administrations contacted the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation to enter into a collaboration to develop a cultural institution of the greatest importance as part of a global plan designed to revamp the cultural, economic, social, and urban regeneration of the city of Bilbao and its surroundings.
The Mission states the Museum’s raison d’être, the assignments it must comply with to achieve its goals, the articulation of “what”, “how”, and “why” it exists. The Vision, on the other hand, enunciates the future state the institution wishes to achieve as well as its aspirations. Values are the principles that guide the Museum’s philosophy and they preside over its behavior beyond temporary or short-term circumstances: any concept, action, or goal is imbued with these values, whose character is essential and permanent.
Missionis about to collect, preserve, and research modern and contemporary art, and to present it from multiple perspectives within the context of the History of Art, addressing a broad, diverse audience, so as to contribute to the knowledge and enjoyment of art and the values that it represents, within a unique architectural landmark, as an essential part of the Guggenheim network, and a symbol of the vitality of the Basque Country.
The Vision that will guide the Museum’s actions over 2015–2017 with a view to the year 2020 is formulated in the following terms:
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao will be recognized as a European leader in innovation and in the creation of a visitor-centered museum experience. It will play an ever more active role in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, both in the development of new projects and in specialized training in museum management for the benefit of the Guggenheim Constellation and the creative economy of the Basque Country.
ACCESSIBILITY
If you would like to borrow a baby stroller or carrier, ask at the coatroom.
Wheelchairs are available for the comfort of visitors who require them. Ask at our coatroom.
Ultra-light chairs to rest at any point on your tour. Ask at our coatroom.
HOW TO REACH
How to get there by public transport:
By train:
- RENFE, "Bilbao-Abando" station.
- ET/FV, "Atxuri (Bilbao)" station.
- FEVE (Santander Line), “Bilbao Concordia” station.
By bus:
- Routes 1, 10, 13, 18 and A7 at the stop: "Museo 1 / Henao".
- Routes 13, 27, 38, and 48 at the stops: "Alda. Recalde 31 and 11”, and “Alda. Recalde 12”.
- Routes 11 and 71 at the stops: “La Salve / Igogailua” and “Campo Volantín / La Salve”.
By tram:
- Guggenheim stop.
By metro:
- Stop: Moyua, exit: “Arcilla-Guggenheim”
How to get there by private transport:
From Santander (A8) / Donostia-San Sebastián or Vitoria-Gasteiz (A68 and A8): from the city bypass motorway, take the Bilbao San Mamés exit. At the end of the avenue that enters the city (Avenida Sabino Arana) you'll come to a roundabout and large statue of the Sacred Heart, where you'll see the first signs for the Museum. The signs will direct you to Avenida Abandoibarra, which follows the river and leads straight to the Museum.
ADMISSION
Adults: 16 €
Senior: 9 €
Groups: > 20 pax. 14 €
Students: (< 26 years) 9 €
Children and Museum Members free
OPENING HOURS:
next days
Tue 10:00-20:00
Wed 10:00-20:00
Thu 10:00-20:00
Fri 10:00-20:00
Sat 10:00-20:00
Sun 10:00-20:00
ADDRESS:
Avenida Abandoibarra, 2
48009 Bilbao
Basque Country
Spain