A day at the museum: Guggenheim Bilbao

The Guggenheim from the Puenta La Salve

It only took 4 years in the mid-90's to build this titanium, limestone and glass masterpiece with its incredible visual impact. Built on the site of a former industrial wharf on the Nervion River it has become a icon of Bilbao throughout the world and what a gift to spend the day in, on and around the Guggenheim.

The building dwarfs 'Maman' 

Fred and I have experienced many impactful buildings during our travels and this Frank Gehry's design, with its unreadable internal and external scale and logic, is now a firm favourite. 

Perhaps only the Sydney Opera House would compare for mathematical complexity of design. 

Can you imagine trying the read these plans!

The titanium sheets kept changing their hues as the weather and light conditions changed throughout the day and it glows.

Rather peaceful view of the Nervion River.

'Tall Tree and The Eye' Anish Kapoor, all about the reflections on surfaces.

Meet Puppy, world's largest flower sculpture: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Puppy, Jeff Koons, stainless steel, soil and flowering plants
Entrance to the Guggenheim Bilbao

Puppy at the entrance to the Guggenheim here in Bilbao.

Thousands of colourful begonias, impatiens, daisies and greenery make up Puppy as he stands with dignified attention at the main entrance to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. 

The museum's faithful guard dog.

A monumental piece and also a monument to the sentimental - puppies and flowers. 

He makes me smile and I cannot wait to get back for another look this morning.

 

Tulips, also by Jeff Koons, could not be more different to Puppy. A bouquet of high gloss colourful balloon flowers blown to gigantic proportions.

Tulips, stainless steel balloons!