Bilbao reopens two museums

The Museum of Fine Arts is opening its expansion designed by Norman Foster, featuring the spectacular Arriaga Atrium, which seamlessly integrates art with Doña Casilda Park. At the same time, in the Old Town, the Euskal Museoa is redefining Basque identity with a revolutionary museum concept in Unamuno Square.

Two institutions, the Euskal Museoa and the Museum of Fine Arts, are reopening their doors after several years of renovation work. This follows a refurbishment process that goes far beyond what might be considered a mere makeover.

The results are spectacular and will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the city and the region.

THE FINE ARTS MUSEUM, BY THE LIGHT TOUCH OF NORMAN FOSTER

On 24 June 2026, coinciding with the magical night of San Juan, the Museum of Fine Arts will unveil its new façade. The Agravitas project, designed by Norman Foster and Luis María Uriarte, soars above the classical building.

The showpiece: the new Arriaga Atrium, a glass-enclosed space connecting the art gallery with Doña Casilda Park. The metal roof structure already shelters an extension covering 5,000 square metres.

The opening programme begins now and will culminate on 5 October, the institution’s 118th anniversary.

THE EUSKAL MUSEUM AND THE STEM OF IDENTITY

In the heart of the Historic Quarter, in Plaza de Unamuno, the Euskal Museoa has completed its comprehensive refurbishment. After years of silence and dust, the institution is reopening this June to showcase a revolutionary museum concept. The spectacular stem in the Misericordia building underpins a new narrative of our history.

The renovated cloister of the former convent and the avantgarde galleries house everything from the primitive idol of Mikeldi to seafaring tools and much more. All bathed in lighting that accentuates every grain of wood and every chisel mark.