Bilbao, Day 2: Modern Art, Architecture, and Vibrant Streets

Our second day in Bilbao started with a very good breakfast at the hotel – a perfect foundation for an eventful day. Afterwards, we dedicated ourselves extensively to the Guggenheim Museum, which impressed us with its stunning architecture and fascinating exhibitions.

The museum is a highlight for lovers of modern art, and the current exhibitions are particularly noteworthy.

We began with the exhibition by Paul Pfeiffer, a contemporary artist who frequently uses modern media and digital technologies in his works. His pieces address themes like identity, consumer culture, and the power of images in innovative ways – sometimes subtle, sometimes provocative.

Another highlight was the exhibition of Hilma af Klint, one of the pioneers of abstract art. Her works, which are partly inspired by spirituality and mysticism, showcase an incredible variety of colors and shapes. Hilma af Klint was ahead of her time and is now recognized as a central figure in the history of modern art.

Additionally, we had the opportunity to see highlights from the Guggenheim Museum's collection. This changing exhibition provides insights into the diversity of modern art, featuring works by well-known figures like Kandinsky, Pollock, and other influential artists of the 20th century.

Of course, the permanent exhibition by Richard Serra is also a must-see, with its monumental steel sculptures under the title “The Matter of Time,” offering an unparalleled experience. The gigantic, walkable works invite you to experience space and time in new ways – an impressive conclusion to our tour of the museum.

After the visit, we treated ourselves to a short break on the museum terrace, where we enjoyed the sun with coffee and cake. A delightful moment overlooking the Ría de Bilbao!

Even from the outside, the museum is an experience. We admired the famous spider “Maman” and the colorful flower dog Puppy, which perfectly complement the ensemble.

In the afternoon, a city tour with the Bilbao City View Bus was on the agenda. The one-hour tour provided us with a good overview of the city and its various neighborhoods.

Afterwards, we walked from the Guggenheim Museum area to the market hall. We strolled over the Plaza Moyua and through the shopping street “Gran Via,” admiring the typical house facades, passing the Arriaga Theater and through the “Casco Viejo” old town.

We took a well-deserved break again at Plaza Nueva, where we enjoyed delicious pinchos and a glass of white wine. The atmosphere there is simply incomparable!

The return journey took us through the now lively city, along the Ría de Bilbao and over the impressive pedestrian bridge Zubizuri. Just a small detour around the Guggenheim Museum to see it one last time in the evening light, and then we went back to the hotel.

There was a palpable excitement in the streets: Many people were on their way to the stadium, as today Athletic Bilbao is playing against Real Madrid – a big event in the city and a successful one, as Bilbao defeats the capital team 2:1! We skipped the game; there were only a few tickets left for 160 € and higher.

Today we saw an incredible amount, walked a lot, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of Bilbao to the fullest. Tomorrow we continue with new experiences!

A big thank you!

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