Bilbao - around River Nervión next to Guggenheim Museum

After visiting the Guggenheim Museum, I took a leisurely stroll along the picturesque River Nervion, crossing the Puente de la Salve/Salbe Zubia, and immersed myself in the vibrant atmosphere of this industrious city; children gleefully playing, and people are jogging along the riverbank, all against the backdrop of the renowned Guggenheim Museum, which looked even more impressive from various angles. Here are some images I captured:

Puente de la Salve

Puente de la Zubizuri

Bilbao Tram

====================================================================

Industrial History: Historically, Bilbao was a major industrial and port city, centered around the iron and steel industries. However, in recent years, the city has undergone significant urban renewal and transformation, shifting its focus towards tourism, services, and the cultural sector.

The construction of the Guggenheim Museum in the late 1990s is often credited with sparking the "Bilbao Effect." This term refers to the positive impact that a significant architectural and cultural project can have on the revitalization and rebranding of a city.

Bilbao- Guggenheim Museum (continued)

From afar, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao stands as an architectural marvel that commands attention and captivates the imagination. Its design is a harmonious blend of fluid, curvilinear forms that seem to defy conventional geometry and create a dynamic and organic presence against the surrounding landscape.

The museum's most striking feature, the titanium-clad exterior, reflects and shimmers in the changing light, producing a mesmerizing effect. The metallic surfaces curve and twist gracefully, evoking the illusion of movement and lending an ethereal quality to the building.

Guggenheim Museum features an impressive array of sculptures outside the museum which are an integral part of the museum's art collection and add to the overall artistic experience of visiting the museum. I saw three of them during my visit:

"Puppy" by Jeff Koons: created by American artist Jeff Koons. It is a massive topiary sculpture of a West Highland White Terrier puppy covered in colorful flowers. 

"Tall Tree & The Eye" by Anish Kapoor: This captivating outdoor sculpture features a tall, slender column that appears to be made of highly polished stainless steel. 

"Maman" by Louise Bourgeois:  The sculpture, made of stainless steel, bronze, and marble, portrays a spider with her egg sac and serves as a tribute to Louise Bourgeois' mother.

Bilbao- Guggenheim Museum

The reason for my trip to Bilbao was solely to visit the renowned Guggenheim Museum. I had been aware of its existence even before embarking on the Camino de Santiago. I knew that during my journey, I would take a well-deserved break to explore this captivating museum. After visiting San Sebastian, it only made sense to travel to Bilbao, which was just a short bus ride away.

Upon arriving in Bilbao in the early afternoon, I wasted no time and promptly hopped on a tram from my centrally located hotel. The tram ride was short, covering a mere 7 stops, and brought me directly to the Guggenheim Museum.

As I made my way from the tram station to the museum, the architecture of the building left me in awe. Its unique style, striking color, and imposing presence against the backdrop of the clear blue sky impressed me greatly. Approaching the entrance, I was warmly greeted by the sight of the gigantic, whimsical flower-stuffed dog sculpture, which added to the museum's charm.

Inside the museum, I was captivated by the awe-inspiring architecture of the space. The spiral ramp leading to a magnificent domed skyline creates a sense of wonder and excitement that resonates with all visitors. Paired with the captivating contemporary artworks on display, the overall experience is truly thrilling and unforgettable.

===========================================================

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a renowned contemporary art museum located in the city of Bilbao, in the Basque Country of northern Spain. It is one of the most iconic and influential architectural landmarks of the 20th century, designed by the renowned Canadian-American architect, Frank Gehry. 

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao opened its doors to the public on October 18, 1997. The building's architecture is a masterpiece of contemporary design, characterized by its striking, avant-garde, and futuristic appearance. Frank Gehry's design features flowing, curvilinear forms covered in titanium panels and limestone, which reflect light and change in appearance with the surrounding environment. The museum's unique design has earned it widespread acclaim and has become an architectural symbol for the city of Bilbao.

The museum is situated along the Nervion River in the heart of Bilbao's city center. Its waterfront location adds to the visual appeal of the building and has contributed to the revitalization of the surrounding area.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is part of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, which also oversees the famous Guggenheim Museum in New York City. This museum focuses on modern and contemporary art, featuring an impressive collection of works by prominent artists from the mid-20th century to the present. The museum showcases a diverse range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, photography, video art, and installations.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao hosts temporary exhibitions that change periodically, featuring works from both renowned international artists and emerging talents. These exhibitions often attract art enthusiasts and tourists from around the world.

San Sebastain-7) Strolling around the Urumea River

The San Sebastin bus station is conveniently located near the center of San Sebastian, close to the picturesque Urumea River. During my stay, I took a leisure stroll from my hotel to the bus station, crossing the iconic Maria Cristina Bridge (Puente de María Cristina)* that spans the river, along the riverbank mesmerized by its captivating beauty.

The early morning atmosphere was serene.  I joined the joggers, savoring the fresh air and scenic views as I made my way to the end of the river. There, I encountered the striking Kursaal Bridge (Puente del Kursaal)**, distinguished by its stylish design and adorned with green poles. Crossing this bridge, I continued my walk, indulging in the city's captivating architecture along the route. These buildings showcased an exquisite blend of styles, reflecting the rich history of San Sebastian. I took my time to capture some captivating photos, each frame encapsulating the city's unique charm. 

Maria Cristina Bridge

Kursaal Bridge

==========================================================

*Maria Cristina Bridge (Puente de María Cristina). It is a prominent and historic bridge that spans the Urumea River and connects the area around the bus station to the city center and other parts of San Sebastian. The bridge is known for its elegant design and has been an essential landmark in the city since its construction in the early 20th century.

**The Kursaal Bridge is located near the Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium, which is a prominent modern building in the city known for hosting various cultural events and festivals. The bridge is characterized by its unique and contemporary design, featuring green poles that add a distinctive touch to the overall appearance. It spans the Urumea River, connecting the Kursaal area to the Zurriola Beach and Gros neighborhood.