Foster + Partners Wins Bilbao Fine Arts Museum Expansion Competition
The international competition to expand the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum has been won by Foster + Partners, operating under the name Agravitas, in partnership with LM Uriarte Arkitektura S.L.P., as announced by the president of the Provincial Council of Biscay. Their proposal outperformed those from renowned firms such as BIG, Snøhetta, SANAA, Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos, and Rafael Moneo. With a budget exceeding €18 million, this project marks one of the most important developments in Bilbao since the metro line in 1995 and the Guggenheim Museum in 1997. It will relocate the main entrance to Plaza Arriaga, introduce a new 2,000 square meter canopy, and improve accessibility. Norman Foster expressed his pride in working with director Miguel Zugaza and his team.
Key facts
- Foster + Partners won the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum expansion competition under the pseudonym Agravitas.
- The team includes local firm LM Uriarte Arkitektura S.L.P.
- Competing firms included BIG, Snøhetta, SANAA, Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos, and Rafael Moneo.
- The project budget exceeds €18 million.
- The expansion is promoted by BBK and the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum foundation.
- The design shifts the main entrance from Plaza Euskadi to Plaza Arriaga.
- A new undulating canopy of over 2,000 square meters connects existing buildings.
- The canopy features a circular oculus for natural light.
- The project is one of the most significant in Bilbao since the metro line (1995) and Guggenheim Museum (1997).
- Norman Foster expressed honor in collaborating with director Miguel Zugaza.
Entities
Artists
- Norman Foster
- Luis María Uriarte
- Miguel Zugaza
Institutions
- Foster + Partners
- LM Uriarte Arkitektura S.L.P.
- Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
- BBK
- Provincial Council of Biscay
- BIG
- Snøhetta
- SANAA
- Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos
- Rafael Moneo
Locations
- Bilbao
- Spain
- Biscay
- Plaza Euskadi
- Plaza Arriaga