Most important museums to visit in Bilbao
Bilbao is a city with countless tourist attractions of all kinds, where the cultural aspect takes on special relevance. This is the case of museums, since the capital of Biscay has no less than 11, which we present below.
- GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM BILBAO
- MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
- MARITIME MUSEUM-ITSASMUSEUM
- BILBAO ATHLETIC CLUB MUSEUM
- EUSKAL MUSEUM
- BILBAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
- MUSEUM OF REPRODUCTIONS
TOURIST MAP OF MUSEUMS IN BILBAO
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM BILBAO
The symbol par excellence of the new Bilbao, it is a contemporary art museum that attracts thousands of tourists every year. Designed by Frank Gerhy, this space made of stone, glass and metal with daring shapes has been the engine of change in Bilbao in recent decades from all points of view.
Around it, on the Abandoibarra promenade, you can enjoy several famous sculptures such as the Puppy dog, the tulips or the Mama spider.
Inside, you can see works by international contemporary artists such as Rothko, de Kooning, Warhol, Rauschenberg, Kiefer, Baselitz, Basquiat or Jenny Holzer and, of course, Basque artists such as Oteiza or Chillida.
Among the most notable works is 'The Matter of Time', which consists of seven enormous steel sculptures.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
It is one of the most important museums in the capital of Biscay, and offers squares and sculptures from all periods, from the beginning of the last millennium to the present day. The Museum, located in a beautiful enclave next to the Doña Casilda Park, has works by internationally renowned artists such as El Greco, Cézanne, Gauguin, Cranach the Elder, Cassalt, Goya, Tàpies, Murillo, Sorolla, Zurbaran and others closer to home. like Arrue, Chillida, Arteta, Oteiza, Iturrino or Ibarrola.
The museum, which on the outside has a statue dedicated to the musician Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, also holds temporary exhibitions, visits to schools and film screenings, among other activities.
There is currently a project to expand the Museum, which will respect the current buildings and will build a new gallery that will let in sunlight. Its design is by Norman Foster and Luis María Uriarte.
MARITIME MUSEUM-ITSASMUSEUM
Located next to the estuary, on the land occupied by the old Euskalduna shipyards, this museum allows you to learn about the city's relationship with the sea and the estuary.
On the outside, you can discover the Carola crane and some important ships, while inside you can learn more about stories related to maritime and industrial trade, the shipyards themselves or the Consulate of Bilbao, among many others. . In addition, it brings sports related to the sea, such as surfing or rowing, with so much tradition in Euskadi.
BILBAO ATHLETIC CLUB MUSEUM
The Athletic Museum is located in the San Mamés Barria stadium itself, on Pichichi Street, and is ideal for soaking up the history of the club, founded in 1898 and which stands out for its values and philosophy.
The Museum offers more than a thousand pieces and videos, where the 102 screens that reproduce relevant moments of Athletic draw attention. In addition to the Museum itself, you can also access the San Mamés lawn and there is the possibility of taking guided tours in groups or individually.
EUSKAL MUSEUM
The Basque Museum is an ideal space to discover the history and culture of the Basque people through its numerous photos and pieces preserved inside. In this Museum you can appreciate the historical relationship of Euskadi with the sea and metal, the traditions of its inhabitants, historical costumes and artisan pieces.
Among the most notable pieces are the 'Idol of Mikeldi', a sculpture from more than two thousand years ago, the 200 square meter model of Bizkaia or photographs from the beginning of the last century.
Currently, the Museum, located in the Old Town, is undergoing renovation.
BILBAO ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The Archaeological Museum of Bilbao is a reference space to publicize the archaeological excavations carried out in Bizkaia and show pieces of great relevance, such as the bust of Mesterika (prehistory), a medieval boat or the figure of Isis-Fortuna from the Roman town of Forum.
The Museum, located in the Old Town, also performs the function of restoring and preserving pieces that are still found. In addition, it publishes books and organizes activities to spread the history of Bizkaia.
MUSEUM OF REPRODUCTIONS
With the possibility of taking thematic tours, this museum offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy exact copies of renowned sculptures from museums around the world, such as the famous 'Moses', 'Michelangelo', 'Venus de Milo', 'Laaconte' and his children' or 'Victory of Samothrace'.
All of this in a unique space located in the popular neighborhood of Bilbao La Vieja, specifically, inside the building of the Church of the Heart of Mary.
