Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

The Basics

The Guggenheim is Bilbao’s most popular attraction, and the facade is all but impossible to miss. Those who want to tour the collection have many options to choose from. Explore the exterior and interior on a guided small-group tour, or gain insight into the collection and architecture with a private guide and customized tour. It’s also possible to visit on a day trip from San Sebastian or as part of a multi-day itinerary through northern Spain.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a must-see for art lovers and first-time visitors.

• Choose between a single admission ticket or a combo ticket that includes entrance to the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.

• Bring a light jacket during the summer months, as the temperature inside the galleries can be quite cool.

• No photography of any kind is allowed inside the museum.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible, and free wheelchairs are available for use.

How to Get There

The Guggenheim Museum is situated in the center of Bilbao. It’s walkable from most areas of the city center, or you could ride the tram to the Guggenheim stop, metro to the Moyua stop, or any number of public buses.

When to Get There

The Guggenheim Museum is closed Monday and busiest on weekends. Rainfall is plentiful in the Basque Country, and the museum is a good option for a gloomy morning or afternoon.

Construction of the Guggenheim

This distinctly Gehry-esque museum was built on a former wharf in Bilbao between 1993 and 1997 using some 33,000 thin titanium sheets, along with limestone and glass. The iconic American architect designed the museum to harmonize with its surroundings, and the color of the exterior changes based on weather and light conditions. Since the design was so mathematically complicated, Gehry relied on software designed for the aerospace industry to help translate his concept into reality.

Ways to explore

The Guggenheim is Bilbao’s most popular attraction, and the facade is all but impossible to miss, so there are ample tour options to choose from. To ensure your entry and save time, it's worth booking your timed ticket or tour in advance. Explore the exterior and interior on a small-group tour or gain insight into the collection and architecture with a private guide. It’s also possible to visit on a day trip from San Sebastian or as part of a multi-day itinerary through northern Spain’s Basque Country.

Accessibility

The Guggenheim Museum is barrier-free and wheelchairs are available to borrow. The museum also offers sensory guides for visitors with visual impairments.

Age limits

None—admission is free for visitors under 18.

What to pack

While you can’t take large luggage into the museum, there’s a coat check where you can leave smaller items.

What to wear

During the summer, the museum cranks up the air conditioning, so it’s worth adding an extra layer.

Not allowed

Flash photography, eating or drinking in the galleries, pets, touching artwork

Amenities

Audio guides (included with admission), guided tours, restaurant, coat check, library, gift shop

Address 

The Guggenheim Museum is in the center of Bilbao. You can walk there from most areas of the city center, or take a lovely stroll along the banks of the Nervión River to reach it. Public transit is convenient too, and many tours will take you there as well.

Driving

Exit Bilbao Airport and follow signs for Bilbao Centro. Merge onto BI-631, then connect to N-637 toward Bilbao. Continue on N-637 and take the exit toward Bilbao/San Mamés. Join A-8 briefly, then follow the signs for Bilbao Centro. Continue toward the city center and follow signs for Museo Guggenheim.

Public transportation

The nearest metro station to the museum is Mouya. You can also go by tram, or take bus 1, 10, 13, 18, or A7 to Museo 1 / Henao.

Best times to visit

Try to arrive as close to the museum’s 10am opening as you can, to have more space to yourself.

Best days to visit

The Guggenheim Museum is closed on Mondays (except for most of the summer and some other exceptions), as well as on Christmas and New Year’s Day. For the least crowded times, aim for a weekday.

Best months to visit

Rainfall is plentiful in the Basque Country, especially from October through January, so the museum is a good option for a gloomy morning or afternoon.

Special events

The museum stays open one hour later, until 8pm, from mid-June to mid-September, and during the Easter week.