THE GUGGENHEIM-BILBOA

Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa,

Spain is one of the most admired works of 

contemporary architecture and we couldn't wait to get there.

When The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation selected 

Frank Gehry as the architect they encouraged him to

design something daring and innovative.

The curves on the exterior of the building were intended to

appear random.

The interior is designed around a large, light-filled atrium

with views of Bilboa's estuary and surrounding hills 

of the Basque Country.

The exhibitions change often and we saw some

very impressive collections.  I though was 

more taken by the art  sculptures that are on the outside.

The Puppy by Jeff Koons was spectacular, as a friend commented

"the best bouquet ever."  It measures 40 feet high.

My next favorite "Tulips" also by Jeff Koons.

High chromium stainless steel with transparent

Color coating.

Could not pass up this photo opportunity

with my favorite person.

Next is "Tall Tree & the Eye by the Bombay

artist Anish Kaspoor. She used stainless 

steel and carbon steel.

Maman is a sculpture by the artist Louise Bourgeois.

It is a spider measuring over 30feet high and over 33 feet wide

With a sac contains 26 marble eggs.

The title is the familiar French word for Mother.

The following day we took a river cruise and were regions.

able to get to see the other side of the museum that

faces the River Nervion.  The randomness of the curves 

are designed to catch the light. It was a gorgeous  

sunny day so it did that beautifully.

The museum is seamlessly integrated into the urban context,

In the old industrial heart of the city.

The museum has become a popular tourist attraction,

drawing visitors from across the globe and helped to 

generate an economical boom to the city and region.

This was another exceptional highlight on this trip to Spain.