Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation

This foundation owns all of the Guggenheim museums, including the one in Bilbao. At every museum they hire a famous architect to design and build the buildings, which is why the Bilbao museum has such a unique design.

Architect

The Architect who designed and built the Bilbao museum was Frank Gehry. He used metallic/shiny material and contours to make light reflect off the building. He was very creative in his designs.

Building

The building was established on October 18, 1997. The building has curves that catch light and has random shapes that make the building so spectacular. The building itself is it’s own artwork. The museum was named one of the best completed works since 1980 in the 2010 World Architecture Survey. It is a museum of modern art.

Location

The Bilbao Museum is located in Bilbao, Spain. The building sits next to the Nervion River, which runs right through the city of Bilbao.

Created

The building was established on October 18, 1997 as a modern arts museum.

Bilbao Past

From the 1600’s to 1900’s Bilbao grew in wealth from the mining of iron ore. During the industrial revolution, in the 19th century, Bilbao flourished from the mining and shipbuilding. At the beginning of the 20th century Bilbao was the richest city in Spain.

City of Bilbao Now

The museum has changed the city of Bilbao greatly. Now Bilbao is moving towards a modern city. It displays arts and many museums. Many people just come to see the Guggenheim Museum.

Tulips

This piece of art was created by Jeff Koon. It is a bundle of 7 colorful tulips. They represent weightlessness but they contrast the heavy materials they are made of.

Puppy

Puppy is a 12m high floral sculpture of a west highland terrier. It stands outside in front of the Bilbao Museum. This sculpture was created by Jeff Koons.

Why

The museum was created as a place where art could be collected and shared. It was for the joy in showing the world vibrant and amazing pieces of art. The Guggenheim Museum is a great addition to the city of Bilbao.

Works Cited

http://www.guggenheim-bilbao.es/visita_virtual/visita_virtual.php?idioma=en

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Koons

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2007/jun/01/filmingfrankgehry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon_R._Guggenheim_Foundation

http://press.laterooms.com/news/800020378-bilbao-guggenheim-museum-a-marvel-of-architecture.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guggenheim_Museum_Bilbao

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilbao

http://www.guggenheim.org/guggenheim-foundation/architecture/bilbao

http://barcelona.theoffside.com/files/2009/11/guggenheim-bilbao.jpg

By Austin Kulas

*I requested a book from the Public Library about the Guggenheim family in June and it never became available