Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
A project of the Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry, Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is considered as a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. This amazing building is located on the northern coast of Spain.
It has a unique structure made of glass and titanium. The museum opened in 1997 and since then it has attracted fans of art and architecture. Its opening was presented by all international architectural journals. Since it lies on an area of 24,000 sq.m, it is considered as one of the largest in the world.
Museum and local economy
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao was created thanks to a ‘joint venture’ between the two strategies – culture and economy: Guggenheim organization had a program associated with the internationalization of the museum closely connected with circling of ‘arts tourism’.
On the other hand, policy of the Basque city of Bilbao supported the transformation of industry reckoning that it will enrich the city and enhance its transformation. To achieve this goal, including the influx of around half a million visitors a year, the Basque authorities designated $ 100 million for the project and participation in annual administrative costs.
Location
Guggenheim Museum is located on the surface of an irregular shape in the middle of the cultural triangle that forms the Museum of Fine Arts, University of Deusto and the old City Council. Land, an area of about 32,700 sq.m., which was previously occupied by factories and parking, cuts the bridge Puente de la Salve that is considered one of the main entrance to Bilbao.
Design of the Museum
Glorious Gehry’s hall is 50 m tall and thus it is taller than Wright’s rotunda museum building in New York. Atrium is strongly illuminated through the holes of the metal flower that serves as the entry point and orientation for the museum and the monumental installation is designed specifically for the museum.Around the atrium are placed three levels of exhibition space with interconnected systems of curved bridges, glass elevator and staircase. In addition, the museum contains a series of individual galleries that are used for exhibitions of art works that are big and need specific settings.
Other attractions connected with the museum
The largest space is a huge gallery in the form of ships 130×130 m, extending to the east under the bridge Puente de la Salve and within the structure of the tower. The central atrium has a glass wall that allows an extended view of the river and surrounding mountains.
The museum is surrounded by a water garden, combining location with river and promenade. Auditorium, restaurant, shop and administrative office block are accessible from the main square and from inside the museum.