Frank Owen Gehry (* 28 February 1929) is a Canadian-born American architect. His works are cited as being among the most important examples of contemporary architecture. Gehry's best-known works include the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. We were there in the summer of 2012.
Often, in summer, Basque country is cold and rainy. As was the case when we drove from our campsite just below San Sebastian to Bilbao to visit the museum. Or Bilbo, as the Basques themselves spell it.
--- 5 August 2012, Bilbao (E) ---
No, it wasn't Jeff Koons' flowery icon outside that attracted us, but David Hockney's exhibition. Photography not allowed, so this page tries to stay on the outside. Guggenheim was built on the grounds of a former shipyard that had previously gone bankrupt. The sculpture is unreal and fabulous at the same time. These titanium scales reminded me of a giant raptor.
--- 5 August 2012, Bilbao (E) ---
Its hull reflects the colour of the sky. It's golden on the south side and blue on the north side. Amazing.
--- 5 August 2012, Bilbao (E) ---
On the inside, the titanium scales come back in the form of marble clad walls in the same rythm.
--- 5 August 2012, Bilbao (E) ---
The entrance hall is flooded with daylight and is fascinating: it has an impressive height but doesn't give a clue as to how many floors there are. The organic nature of the building is quite evident also on the inside.
--- 5 August 2012, Bilbao (E) ---
Once inside, there are but a few windows, forcing you to concentrate on what's inside.
--- 5 August 2012, Bilbao (E) ---
The exterior remains the hallmark of this creation. It's chaotic and balanced at the same time. It also reminded me of a ship at sea during a storm fighting the elements.
--- 5 August 2012, Bilbao (E) ---
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