10 must-see works at the Guggenheim Bilbao
Quick answer
The Guggenheim Bilbao's must-sees are Frank Gehry's building itself, Richard Serra's The Matter of Time, Jeff Koons' Puppy and Tulips, Louise Bourgeois' Maman, Yves Klein's fire fountain, Anish Kapoor's Tall Tree and the Eye and Daniel Buren's Red Arches. Most of the outdoor works are free to see.
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The 10 key works, inside and out
Collection works move between galleries with each exhibition; the permanent installations and outdoor sculptures are what you will always find.
- 1
Whole building
The building — Frank Gehry (1997)
Titanium, limestone and glass curves inspired by a ship and a flower. It changed Bilbao's fate and defined the so-called Guggenheim effect on cities.
- 2
Ground floor
The Matter of Time — Richard Serra (2005)
Seven walk-through Corten-steel sculptures conceived for the museum. It is the largest permanent installation in the collection.
- 3
Entrance plaza
Puppy — Jeff Koons (1992)
A 12-metre terrier made of living flowers replanted every season. One of Europe's best-loved sculptures.
- 4
River terrace
Maman — Louise Bourgeois (1999)
A monumental spider of steel and marble, a tribute to the artist's weaver mother.
- 5
Plaza
Tulips — Jeff Koons (1995–2004)
A bouquet of bright stainless-steel balloons that plays with the museum's reflections.
- 6
Rear pond
Fire Fountain — Yves Klein (1961, installed 2007)
A jet of water with flames rises from the pond, Klein's play on water and fire.
- 7
Riverside
Tall Tree and the Eye — Anish Kapoor (2009)
Reflective steel spheres that mirror each other and distort the landscape and sky.
- 8
Exterior
Fog Sculpture — Fujiko Nakaya (1997)
A fog sculpture that rises from the pond and dissolves into the air, changing how you see the building.
- 9
La Salve bridge
Red Arches — Daniel Buren (2007)
A red arch framing the bridge and connecting the museum to the city.
- 10
Floors 1 and 2
Postwar and contemporary collection
Rotating selections of international and Basque artists. Pick up the day's floor plan to see what's on view.
How to see them in one visit
Start outside (30 minutes), go in for the atrium and Serra (45 minutes) and spend the rest on an exhibition. Our 2-hour route follows that order. With AnyArt you can point at any sculpture or installation to hear its story.
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Matter of Time?
On the ground floor, in a huge gallery about 130 metres long designed for this permanent installation.
Can you see Puppy without entering the museum?
Yes. Puppy stands on the entrance plaza and is visible from the street, as are Maman and the Tulips.
Who designed the Guggenheim Bilbao?
Frank Gehry. The museum opened in October 1997.
Does the Guggenheim Bilbao have Picasso?
It isn't a Picasso museum. For his work visit the Reina Sofía in Madrid or the Museu Picasso in Barcelona.