Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Lore & Background

Guggenheim Foundation that it would fund a Guggenheim museum to be built in Bilbao's decrepit port area. In exchange, the foundation agreed to manage the institution, rotate parts of its permanent collection through the Bilbao museum and organize temporary exhibitions. The museum was built by Ferrovial, at a cost of $89 million. About 5,000 residents of Bilbao attended a preopening extravaganza outside the museum on the night preceding the official opening. On 13 October, two ETA militants shot dead a Basque policeman who interrupted their attempt to set up grenade launchers to attack the opening. The Solomon R. The curves on the exterior of the building were intended to appear random; the architect said that 'the randomness of the curves are designed to catch the light'. The interior 'is designed around a large, light-filled atrium with views of Bilbao's estuary and the surrounding hills of the Basque country'.

Reader's Guide

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is significant as a landmark of contemporary architecture and urban renewal. Its construction changed the city quarter and it has been widely recognized by critics, academics, and the public. The building was constructed on time and budget, which is rare for architecture of this type. The museum is seamlessly integrated into the urban context along the Nervión River.

Did You Know?

• The museum was built by Ferrovial at a cost of $89 million.
• About 5,000 residents of Bilbao attended a preopening extravaganza outside the museum on the night before the official opening.
• The atrium is nicknamed The Flower by architect Frank Gehry because of its shape.