Best Museums & Art Galleries in Bilbao, Spain
1. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Iconic modern architecture housing contemporary and modern art.
- Architectural Marvel: Designed by Gehry, the museum's titanium-clad curves make it a symbol of Bilbao.
- Impressive Collections: Features works by artists like Jeff Koons and Richard Serra.
- Interactive Experience: Includes interactive exhibits, perfect for families and children.
2. Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
Old masters and Basque artists in a Baroque palace.
- Historic Setting: Housed in the 18th-century Casa de la Azucar.
- Important Art Collections: Includes works by El Greco, Goya, and Picasso.
- Basque Art Focus: Features a significant collection of Basque artists like Sabin Higueras.
3. Museo Arqueológico de Bilbao
Discover the history of Bilbao and the Basque region from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
- Prehistoric Artifacts: Showcases artifacts dating back to the Neolithic era.
- Basque Culture Focus: Highlights the history and culture of the Basque people.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays for a more immersive experience.
4. Museo de Bellas Artes y Arqueología de Vizcaya
Baroque palace displaying European art and archaeological collections.
- Baroque Palace: Located in the beautiful Baroque Palacio de Larramendi.
- European Art Collections: Includes works by artists like Titian and Tintoretto.
- Archaeological Exhibits: Features archaeological artifacts from the Basque region.
5. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Vizcaya (M-CAV)
Modern and contemporary art in a historic setting.
- Historic Setting: Located within the castle of Castillo de Arteaga.
- Basque Art Focus: Features works by contemporary Basque artists.
- Open-Air Sculpture Park: Includes a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden.
6. Museo de la Euskadi Historica y del Mundo Vasco
Discover the history of the Basque region from prehistory to the present.
- Comprehensive History: Covers the Basque region's history from prehistoric times to the modern era.
- Basque Identity Focus: Emphasizes the unique identity and culture of the Basque people.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays for a more engaging experience.
7. Museo de Irulease
Private museum showcasing the personal collection of a Basque businessman.
- Personal Collection: Features works collected by a local businessman.
- Modern and Contemporary Art: Includes works by artists like Warhol, Dalí, and Basquiat.
- Historic Building: Located in a historic 18th-century building.
8. Museo de la Ciencia y la Tecnología Vasca (MUME)
Explore science and technology through interactive exhibits.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes hands-on exhibits for a more engaging experience.
- Local Focus: Emphasizes Basque scientific and technological achievements.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for all ages.
9. Museo de Euskal Herria (Basque Country Museum)
Explore the history and culture of the Basque Country.
- Comprehensive History: Covers the history and culture of the entire Basque Country.
- Basque Identity Focus: Emphasizes the unique identity and culture of the Basque people.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays for a more engaging experience.
10. Museo Vasco de Prehistoria y Arqueología (Basque Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology)
Learn about the prehistory and archaeology of the Basque Country.
- Prehistoric Artifacts: Showcases artifacts dating back to the Neolithic era.
- Basque Culture Focus: Highlights the history and culture of the Basque people.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays for a more immersive experience.
11. Museo de Arte Sacro de Bilbao
Religious art from the Middle Ages to the present.
- Historic Religious Art: Features religious art spanning several centuries.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays for a more engaging experience.
- Basque Art Focus: Features works by Basque artists in the religious art context.
12. Museo de la Catedral (Cathedral Museum of Bilbao)
Discover the history and art of Bilbao's cathedral.
- Historic Setting: Located within the historic Cathedral of Santiago.
- Religious Art Focus: Features religious art and artifacts from the cathedral.
- Basque Architecture: Showcases the beautiful Basque Gothic architecture of the cathedral.
13. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Euskadi (MACE)
Modern and contemporary Basque art in a historic building.
- Historic Building: Located within a former hospital, San Antón.
- Basque Art Focus: Features works by contemporary Basque artists.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays for a more engaging experience.
14. Museo de Arte Moderno e Informativo de Arrasate-Mondragon (MAMI)
Modern and contemporary art in a small town near Bilbao.
- Small Town Setting: Located in the town of Arrasate-Mondragon, just north of Bilbao.
- Basque Art Focus: Features works by contemporary Basque artists.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays for a more engaging experience.
15. Museo de Arte y Arqueología Abandoibarra (MAAB)
Modern and contemporary art in a former industrial building.
- Industrial Setting: Located in a former iron foundry, Azkuna Zentroa.
- Basque Art Focus: Features works by contemporary Basque artists.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive displays for a more engaging experience.