The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a landmark of contemporary architecture and a cultural beacon for the city. Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the museum's fluid, sculptural form has been hailed as one of the most significant architectural achievements of the 20th century. Its titanium-clad curves and organic shapes have transformed the Bilbao skyline and are often likened to a ship or flower. Beyond its jaw-dropping exterior, the museum houses a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art, focusing on postwar American and European artists. Notable works include pieces by Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, and Louise Bourgeois, among others.

Housed in the former Convent of La Encarnación, founded in 1514 by Dominican nuns, the Museum of Sacred Art of Bilbao is the first women's convent in the city. It showcases a rich collection of over 2,000 religious artworks dating from the 12th to the 20th century, many originating from local churches and monasteries in Bizkaia. The exhibits are divided into three main sections: sculptures and paintings, gold and silver works, and liturgical garments and ornaments. Highlights include intricate silverware, devotional sculptures, and beautifully embroidered vestments.

Le Magasin was founded in 1986, and is one of Europe’s leading contemporary art centres. Here you can see numerous exhibitions and visit the onsite bookshop.

Located at the old Euskalduna shipyard, Itsasmuseum dives into the city’s maritime past. Exhibitions focus on the estuary’s environment, the history of trade, and the development of shipbuilding. Highlights include detailed wooden ship models and outdoor displays of historical vessels, anchors, and the iconic Carola crane.