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Cultural center · Bilbao, Basque Country
Azkuna Zentroa
Former 1909 wine warehouse converted into a cultural centre by Philippe Starck, featuring 43 different columns in the atrium and a glass-bottom pool on the top floor.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Azkuna Zentroa
Azkuna Zentroa occupies the former Alhóndiga, the municipal wine and oil warehouse built in 1909 by architect Ricardo Bastida, in the Ensanche neighborhood. The building was abandoned in the 1970s and in 2010 reopened as a cultural and leisure centre with interior design by French designer Philippe Starck.
Starck preserved the façades and emptied the interior. In the atrium, three brick blocks housing the cinema, the library and exhibition spaces rest on 43 columns, each in a different style and made of materials from various periods, like a collected history of architecture.
On the top floor there is a pool with a glass bottom, visible from below in the atrium, with swimmers appearing to float above the public. The centre also includes a gym, terrace, restaurants, a media library and a programme of exhibitions, films and workshops.
The name honours Iñaki Azkuna, mayor of Bilbao from 1991 to 2014.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
At any opening time; on a rainy day it’s a good shelter. The atrium usually has free access; check the exhibitions.
How to get there
It is located on Plaza Arrikibar in the Ensanche, a 5-minute walk from Indautxu metro station and 15 minutes from the Guggenheim.
Tip
Look up at the atrium ceiling to see the glass-bottom pool and spot the differences between the 43 columns. The rooftop terrace and the top-floor restaurant offer views over the neighbourhood.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Azkuna Zentroa
What was the Azkuna Zentroa building?
The Alhóndiga, the municipal warehouse for wine and olive oil from 1909.
Who designed the interior?
The French designer Philippe Starck, with the atrium’s 43 different columns.
Do you have to pay to enter?
The atrium is usually accessible freely. Exhibitions, cinema and pool have their own conditions; check ahead.