Bilbao, Spain I wanted to see, or feel, if I dare to use that expression, the Museo Guggenheim in the Basque town Bilbao since I saw the first, inauguration pictures 20 years ago.
I was not disappointed: Finally discovering The Frank Gehry designed ship-shaped building in glass, stone and titanium scales is sublime. Both inside and out.
It’s impossible to visit Bilbao and not see the Guggenheim – it’s almost everywhere you look.
Robert Motherwell, Yves Klein, Andy Warhol, Eduardo Chillida, Anselm Kiefer are in the permanent collection inside the museum, as is this light installation.
The art outside has even more impact. There’s something surrealistic about walking along the river Nervión, past Jeff Koons’ flowery Puppy and Anish Kapoor’s steel balls, or jumping between the legs of Louise Bourgeois’ Maman spider.
The Museo Guggenheim has become an institution that brings art lovers to this north coast, former industrial city.
It started an urban relaunch in which its past – in the shape of industries and shipyards – was replaced with trees, tramways, promenades and glass and steel buildings by some of the world’s best architects.
Bilbao’s old Basque soul thankfully remains intact, including The old town, fantastic regional wines, pintxos (tapas) and local football with Athletic. The latter proudly refuses to buy foreign players, hence loosing all the time, but maintaining the Basque pride and an amazing spirit.
From and to Sweden, new direct flights are to be launched for summer 2018.
Lottie's World 