The collection includes 'The Lamentation' by Anthony van Dyck and major works by Spanish masters such as Murillo and Sorolla.
It is one of the few museums in Spain that maintains a significant collection of Basque contemporary art alongside Old Masters.
The institution was created in 1945 through the merger of the Museum of Fine Arts (founded 1908) and the Museum of Modern Art (founded 1924).
The museum holds a prominent collection of avant-garde works, including pieces by Chillida and Oteiza.
The building features a specialized layout that allows for the integration of temporary exhibitions alongside the permanent chronological displays.
The Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao serves as one of Spain's most significant art institutions, housing a collection that spans from the 12th century to the present day. Its permanent collection features over 10,000 works, including masterpieces by El Greco, Goya, Zurbarán, and Francis Bacon. The museum integrates multiple architectural phases, including the 1945 classical building and the 2001 modern expansion by architects Luis Uriarte and Agustín Ispizua. It is particularly renowned for its Basque art collection, which provides a comprehensive historical view of regional painters and sculptors. The facility also manages an extensive library and a dedicated conservation department. The museum is currently undergoing an expansion project led by architects Norman Foster and Luis María Uriarte to unify the existing buildings and increase exhibition space.
The main entrance foyer or the geometric glass atrium connecting the modern and classical wings.
Check the official website for rotating special exhibitions, which often occupy the temporary gallery spaces.
Visit the museum shop for high-quality catalogs and prints focused on Basque artists not easily found elsewhere.
Utilize the museum’s guided tours if available, as they provide essential context for the complex chronological layout of the permanent collection.
Trying to see every single piece; the collection is vast, so focus on the historical transitions between the classical and modern wings.
Typically closed on Mondays; always check for temporary closures due to the ongoing Foster + Partners expansion works.
Photography without flash is generally permitted for personal use, but filming is restricted; large bags must be left in the cloakroom.
