Bilbao Fine Arts Museum: A Hidden Jewel in the Heart of the Metropolis

Well, if you got here looking for information about the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, let me tell you that you are in the right place. I'm not one of those who will fill your head with boring facts. No. Here I tell you what you need to know, but with a more... personal touch, from my own experience.

A Museum with History

Before you get sidetracked thinking about the Guggenheim Museum, the titanium giant that steals the looks in Bilbao, let me remind you of something: the Fine Arts Museum of Bilbao came first. And no, I'm not saying this to detract from the Guggenheim, which I also love, but the Fine Arts Museum has that air of tradition, of well-tended history that's worth noting.

This museum opened its doors in 1914, when Bilbao was a growing city. More than 6,000 works make up its collection, a barbarity! And here we are not only talking about paintings, but also sculptures and engravings. The most interesting thing is how in its rooms you find art ranging from the twelfth century to contemporary art. Something that not many museums can boast.

What You'll Find in its Halls

Over the years I've been lucky enough to visit museums in different parts of the world, but the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum has always fascinated me for the quality and variety of its works. I am not only referring to the paintings of Goya, El Greco or Zurbarán, but also to local artists, such as the great Ignacio Zuloaga or the Zubiaurre brothers. These Basque painters, if you don't already know them, have a unique style that reflects the character and culture of the region.

Do you like European classics Perfect, because you'll also find works by Paul Cézanne, Gauguin and Van Dyck, among others. Truth be told, when you stand in front of their pieces, you can feel how they absorb you, transporting you to other times and places. Almost as if you were there!

And if you like sculpture, you can't miss the works of Eduardo Chillida, who is a heavyweight in Basque art. His works in iron and concrete are incredible, and the museum has some of his most iconic pieces. Chillida is known for his abstract forms and how he plays with materials to create something that seems almost...alive.

My Personal Experience

Don't get me wrong, the Guggenheim Museum has its charm, but the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum has something closer, more real. It is a place where you can feel the weight of history in each room, but in a way that does not overwhelm you. The first time I visited it was in my youth, when I was just starting to be interested in art. I remember walking through its rooms and being stunned in front of some of its works.

For example, "Bathers" by Cézanne left me speechless. The way he uses color and light is simply brilliant. And, of course, I was shocked to see how such important works were here, so accessible, so close. That's the key to the Museum of Fine Arts: approaching art, without grandiloquence, but with lots and lots of content.

Museum Architecture

One of the things that sometimes goes unnoticed is the architecture of the museum itself. It is located in the Parque de Doña Casilda, a charming place, full of trees and tranquility. And although its facade doesn't scream "modern," it has a classic elegance that makes it an architectural gem. The building mixes the neoclassical with the modern, something that is especially noticeable after the renovations it has had over the years.

A Museum in Constant Evolution

Something I love about this museum is that it is always on the move. It is not stuck in the past. There are constantly temporary exhibitions that allow you to discover new artists or reinterpret the classics. I recently had the opportunity to attend an exhibition on modernism in Bilbao that was literally a blast. You see how the city and art have evolved together, from its industrial roots to what it is today: a cultural epicenter.

Activities and Programs

In addition to the exhibitions, the museum also offers educational activities and workshops. perfect to go with the family! Even if you're not an art expert, you'll feel welcome here. From guided tour programs to talks and workshops, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is a space where art is experienced, not just observed.

Practical Tips

If you're going to visit, here are a couple of tips that have served me well over the years:

1. Arrive early. The museum opens at 10:00 and if you arrive early, you can enjoy it at your leisure.
3. Don't miss the temporary exhibitions. There's always something interesting, and many times they don't show those pieces again.
5. Take advantage of the guided tours. If you want to learn more about the context of the works, this is the best option.