Art & Culture

Why Art Lovers Will Love Bilbao

Laura Lee
Jun 19, 2020

Europe is so full of amazing destination cities, it can be pretty hard to decide where to go. Each country has its own amazing cuisine, culture, history, and architecture, making it seriously hard to pick your next vacation destination. However, if you’re a serious art lover, it might be a bit easier for you to narrow down the options. After all, some places are simply more renowned for their art scene than others. One of those places is the city of Bilbao. Situated in the Basque Country of northern Spain, this cultural center is one of the most dynamic cities in the region. Apart from its world-famous gastronomy scene, the city also has an array of museums scattered across its urban streets, making Bilbao the perfect destination for lovers of art and culture.

woman in museum

Getty Images/Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd/DigitalVision

Whether you prefer a modern or classic style, this Spanish city has something for all lovers of art. Luckily for locals and tourists alike, Bilbao is home to two incredible museums which have earned the Spanish city a reputation around the world as an art haven. One of these establishments is the Guggenheim Museum. An accomplishment of American-Candian architect Frank Gehry, the contemporary art museum is as much a testament to modern architecture as it is to art. This is because the exterior of the stunning silver structure draws almost as many curious onlookers as do the artworks inside it. However, the interior of the building is equally impressive. The Guggenheim collection features pieces by prestigious American artists like Jeff Koons and Richard Serra. If you’re not a big fan of modern art, fear not! Bilboa is also home to The Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, one of Spain’s most impressive collections of art. The museum’s pieces date back from the 16th century all the way until the 20th century and include the works of local Spanish icons like El Greco and Francisco de Goya.