Foster + Partners to Expand Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
A significant expansion and renovation initiative has commenced at the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, with designs by Foster + Partners and LM Uriarte Arkitektura S.L.P. This new two-story addition will encompass 2,300 square meters, featuring educational facilities on the lower level and a flexible gallery space above. The existing 1945 structure will become the primary entrance. Sustainability is a key focus, incorporating elements such as cross-ventilation, natural lighting, rainwater harvesting, solar panels on the roof, and low-carbon steel. The project's budget stands at €18,658,200, with construction expected to last 45 months, beginning on November 17, 2022. The strategic plan received approval in December 2018, and the winning design was selected on July 23, 2019, funded by the Bilbao Bizkaia Kutxa Foundation (BBK).
Key facts
- Foster + Partners and LM Uriarte Arkitektura S.L.P. are designing the expansion.
- The new building will add 2,300 square meters over two floors.
- Construction started on November 17, 2022.
- The project budget is €18,658,200.
- Completion is expected in 45 months.
- The original 1945 building will become the main entrance.
- Sustainability features include cross-ventilation, solar panels, and low-carbon steel.
- The competition was funded by the BBK Foundation.
Entities
Artists
- Norman Foster
Institutions
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
- Foster + Partners
- LM Uriarte Arkitektura S.L.P.
- Agravitas
- Bilbao Bizkaia Kutxa Foundation (BBK)
- Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
- University of East Anglia
- British Museum
Locations
- Bilbao
- Spain
- Norwich
- England