What to do > Cultural Heritage > Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum is not only a Bilbao landmark, but an icon of the Basque Country, representing a fusion of contemporary art and bold architecture. Designed by Frank Gehry, this shimmering titanium structure next to the Bilbao estuary is home to an incredible collection of modern and contemporary art.
This is a place where creativity meets innovation, reflecting the dynamic spirit of the Basque Country.
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is famous not only for its collections, but also for having the world’s largest guard dog: Puppy. “Puppy” is a flower sculpture by Jeff Koons, which was created in 1992 and depicts a giant West Highland terrier. The sculpture was not originally intended as a permanent installation. The first version was created for a site outside a baroque castle in Arolsen, Germany, but was dismantled upon that exhibition’s close.
Then, it was reconstructed at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney. Finally, in 1997, the Solomon Guggenheim Foundation acquired it and installed the piece in front of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, where it became a permanent icon of the museum and city at large.
At 12.4-meters tall, and weighing 16 tonnes, this piece comprises an iron structure adorned with approximately 38,000 real plants that are replaced twice per year.
Guided tour
Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao with a professional guide who will help you understand both the architecture of the building and the works exhibited.
You will also be able to explore the most secret corners of the famous building. The maximum number of people for the guided tour is 20.
Further information and bookings
Purchase reservations for Guggenheim Bilbao Museoa | Clorian (guggenheim-bilbao.eus)