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Museum · Bilbao, Basque Country
Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
Museum of art from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, in the Doña Casilda park, with El Greco, Goya, Zurbarán, Gauguin, Basque artists and the Agravitas extension by Norman Foster.
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 Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
The Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao was founded in 1908 and has been housed since 1945 in a neoclassical building on the edge of the Doña Casilda de Iturrizar park, a few minutes from the Guggenheim. The collection brings together around 10,000 works, from the 12th century to the present day.
The old master galleries contain paintings by El Greco, Zurbarán, Murillo, Ribera and Van Dyck, and a core of Flemish painting. Modern art includes Goya, Sorolla, Gauguin, Mary Cassatt and Francis Bacon. The museum highlights Basque artists such as Ignacio Zuloaga, Juan de Echevarría, Aurelio Arteta, Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza.
The building underwent an extensive renovation and received an extension called Agravitas, designed by Norman Foster and Basque architect Luis María Uriarte, with a roof that seems to float over the old building and new exhibition spaces and an atrium facing the park.
In the surrounding gardens there are sculptures by Chillida, Oteiza and other artists.
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 1h30 to 2h30.
Best time
In the morning or mid-afternoon, combining it with the Guggenheim on the same day. Check opening hours and closing day.
How to get there
It is on Plaza del Museo, next to Doña Casilda park, 600 meters from the Guggenheim and a 10-minute walk from Moyua metro station.
Tip
Allow time for the rooms dedicated to Basque artists, which provide context to what you see in the city. Afterwards, walk through Doña Casilda park, with its lake and ducks. Some time slots often have special entry conditions; check the schedule.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
Is the Fine Arts Museum near the Guggenheim?
Yes, about 600 meters, roughly a 10-minute walk along the promenade by Doña Casilda park.
What are the highlights of the museum?
El Greco, Zurbarán, Goya, Gauguin and the galleries of Basque artists such as Zuloaga, Arteta, Chillida and Oteiza.
What is the Agravitas extension?
The museum's new space, designed by Norman Foster and Luis María Uriarte, featuring a raised roof over the old building and new galleries.