Bilbao, museum by museum

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Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

We propose a route through Bilbao museum by museum, although if you follow our suggestion of getting into most of them, the route will have to be made in al long day or, even better, in two or three days. We will start with the last.

The new Bilbao River Maritime Museum is placed behind the Euskalduna Palace, in Ramón de la Sota dock, from where it looks at the estuary recovering the maritime culture of the port of Bilbao. The aim of the recently open museum is to show the historical and cultural patrimony of the township related to the estuary. The boats moored to its dikes stand out, together with its naval elements.

Going through Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park, we will arrive at the Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts, which gathers ancient art, modern art and Basque authors’ collections. Working since 1908, the centre shows a general view of Art History since the 12th century up to nowadays.

Very near, walking through the Alameda de Mazarredo, a titanium, stone and glass plaster waits for us. About the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, placed in the spectacular building by Frank O. Ghery, we can only say that it is essential for any visitor in Bilbao. Emblem of the town rebirth, it is a point of reference for international art and for those who like going deeper into the ways of the contemporary creation.

In the second part of this route, we will move away from the new Bilbao of Abandoibarra in order to dive into the Old Part of Bilbao. Either going for a walk along Alameda de Rekalde, Gran Vía and Arenal bridge, or taking the underground in Moyua and stopping in the Old Part, exit to Unamuno Square, we have an appointment with the Euskal Museoa – Basque Museum, which brings us over the prehistory and archaeology of Bizkaia and the Basque Country. The Mikeldi, a protohistoric idol of confused origin, is one of the pieces that can be observed in this museum of prehistoric and ethnographic character, which is being renewed.

Through the Ronda street and following the estuary, we will get to the Diocesan Museum of Religious Art. In the old Convent of the Incarnation, there are preserved religious silversmiths works, sacred vestments and religious art since the Romanic period up to the present time.

The last stage in this sight could be completed with the Vista Alegre Bullfighting Museum or the amazing Benedicto Bilbao Museum.