If you are taking a trip to Bilbao in the near future or have it on your list of places to visit, you must not forget to visit the Guggenheim Museum. It is an art museum which opened its doors to the public in 1997, where every detail is a work of art – even the structure of the bulding!
Its creation came about as a result of the Basque Government wanting to modernise the region in order to increase tourism there, and it now receives over a million tourists a year. You can visit the Guggenheim pretty much at any time of the year, but keep in mind that it isn’t open on Mondays but is open any other day from 10am – 8pm.
Begin by Taking a Moment to Appreciate the Architecture
The contemporary architectural style of the Guggenheim was designed by Frank Gehry, an architect from the United States who also designed the similarly styled Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Even if you aren’t an art lover yourself, you can still enjoy the incredible architecture of the Guggenheim building which stands out in front of the more traditional architecture found in the rest of Bilbao. Even the interior of the building will take your breath away with its high ceiling, skylights and high walkways.
See the Spectacular Sculptures
Although there is a variety of exhibits on offer at the museum, you shouldn’t limit yourself to just the artwork inside the building. It’s a great idea to keep an eye out for the sculptures that are dotted about in and around the museum.
One of which is by Jeff Koons and is a large dog shaped sculpture covered with thousands of flamboyant flowers. If you’re visiting with children, be sure to take them to see the “Maman” sculpture; a metal spider shaped sculpture which is next to the river, named after the artists mother. Everyone will be freaked out at first but it’s an impressive piece of artwork and you’ll have a good laugh!
Find Art Exhibits Suitable to You and Your Group
When it comes to the art exhibitions, you should plan which ones to see before you get there depending on who you’re going with, as some aren’t appropriate for children.
Some really popular exhibitions include The Matter of Time by Richard Serra where you are taken around twisted sculptures which is a really fun experience. The Zero Gallery has a circular projection and a Kaleidascopic room full of colours where you learn about Bilbao’s past and how Frank Gehry designed the museum.
There are also temporary exhibitions offered by the Guggenheim, so definitely check out what’s on when you are going!
Activities For Children at the Guggenheim
With your ticket you receive an audio tour which tells you lots of interesting facts as you explore the gallery, and there are also children’s tours on offer which is a great way for them to have an educational experience.
If your children need a break from the art for a little while, they can visit the play area where they can go on the swings and slides or choose to read the books available.
Although like most art museums, you aren’t allowed to touch a lot of the artwork, there are certain exhibitions at the Guggenheim that offer a more interactive experience. These include The Matter of Time exhibition where children can interact with the artwork by not touching it, but exploring through the “maze”.
Where to Eat
At the Guggenheim you can choose to eat in either of the two restaurants or in the café. At the café, you can taste some authentic pintxos that are found in the Basque Country and also sandwiches and soups. The café can be busy at times, but there is also the two lovely restaurants where you can go for a more formal sit-down meal!
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