That was the question I asked a guide when we were done touring. The Guggenheim Museum is a unique building, one that has attracted interest from around the world. Bilbao seems a little small to score such a coup in landing it.
The answer was surprising. No one else wanted it. It was too big, requiring too much of a commitment of land and money to work in many cities.
But Bilbao was in the process of tearing up its waterfront, kicking all of the industries out of that area and replacing it with things that would interest people - parks, walkways, museums, etc. This was the centerpiece. It opened in 1997, and is one of the biggest museums in Spain. Something like this never could be send to "blend in" with the area, since it commands attention. But its mere presence makes quite a statement.
The museum is filled with contemporary and modern art, some of which is on permanent display. You may not love everything, but the exhibits are almost always interesting. The many oversized works are particularly eye-popping.
Plenty to see here:
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