Guiding Architects, article: 20 years of Guggenheim Bilbao (Fig. 1)

The curves and metal reflections that differentiate Frank Gehry’s architecture made Bilbao’s Guggenheim easily stand out among the Spanish buildings of the 90’s. © Bernd Nitsch

On October 19th, 1997, the Guggenheim Bilbao museum opened its doors to the public. This was the start of a new era for Bilbao and the Basque country as a whole.

Guiding Architects, article: 20 years of Guggenheim Bilbao (Fig. 2)

Bilbao and the Basque Country have shown to welcome Frank OGehry’s architecture as their own. © Bernd Nitsch

Now, in 2017, it’s time to celebrate not only the 20th anniversary of this museum designed by Frank O. Gehry, but also the more than 19 million tourists who have visited it over time. As an important contribution to the so-called “Bilbao-effect”, the museum has drastically influenced the image of the city and the region throughout the entire world. •

Guiding Architects, article: 20 years of Guggenheim Bilbao (Fig. 3)

The mountain of glass and steel has been limiting the Iparraguirre street’s urban space for 20 years. © Bernd Nitsch