Por qué ir a Azkuna Zentroa al visitar Bilbao
Azkuna Zentroa is a multi-purpose space with a curious history that has become one of the preferred meeting points of the bilbainians. For what it is and what it was. If you are going to visit Bilbao you will be surprised at all you can find, see and do in it. And it is that the building that was born as a wine warehouse in the beginning of the century. XX today houses in a renovated space an art center and services with restaurants, cinemas, culture and sport really impressive. And a few minutes walk from the Museo Guggenheim.
Why go to Azkuna Zentroa when visiting Bilbao
If you are going to visit Bilbao, going to Azkuna Zentroa is one of the required visits. In it you will find much more than you imagine. Access to it and its impressive atrium is free. Although some indoor spaces such as the sports area, require the payment of a ticket.
Visit in Bilbao an impressive and surprising architectural space.
And they are not randomly chosen adjectives. On the outside is an elegant modernist building that began construction in 1905. Inside is an innovative space that leaves with its mouth open to those who visit it for the first time. It has a large inner atrium of 6.193 m2 surrounded by 43 artistic large columns. These are a point of attention; none is equal to another and were designed and crafted by 120 people. These support the three interior buildings that are three cubes lined with brick. Its roof is the transparent bottom of the heated pool on the top floor.
The division of the three interior buildings of Azkuna Zentroa gives you an idea of the various activities you can do and enjoy in it.
- Physical activity center. It has a swimming pool, gym and many sports activities and for personal well-being.
- Mediateka Building. It includes a library with specific spaces for children to approach the reading you will love if you are going to visit Bilbao with children and want them to have a relaxed time.
- Space of complementary activities. It organizes a multitude of cultural activities and shows.
In addition, the center has access to cinemas. And in the old crevices preserved on the ground floor, with its walls now made of glass, you will find various premises. Mainly restaurant, with bars, cafes and restaurants. But also for shopping. And even a kitchen room! Access a place to enjoy various ways when visiting Bilbao.
There are many people who on their trip to Bilbao decide to visit Azkuna Zentroa as an architectural space of interest. Even with a guided tour. It is also an ideal place if you want to visit Bilbao with children, where they will have fun and can do various activities.
If you are going to visit Bilbao it is advisable that you consult the schedule of activities and shows of Azkuna Zentroa. There may be exhibitions or events you want to attend. Some of them are free and some are paid, with a low price. The latter is the case of sports spaces. And some shows. Check your price according to day, age and activity.
In addition, you can use the swimming pool or sports center by paying the entrance to access during the day. And, in summer, it has a sun terrace, a surprising space in full bilbail widening only open from 1 June to 30 September. It is an outdoor terrace with hammocks with access from the pool. This one can only be visited with swimsuit and flip-flops.
Past and present of Azkuna Zentroa in Bilbao
Between 1905 and 1910 a large wine store was built in a central area of Bilbao. This project by the architect Ricardo Bastida was known as “La alhóndiga.” For years it worked as such but had a short life. In 1919 it caught fire. Later this modernist building was restored but the activity inside it soon stopped. For decades it remained closed, with its beautiful façade and interior abandoned.
It was not until 1975-1980 that he began to think of alternative utilities. And practices for the inhabitants and those who came to visit Bilbao. But until 2002 the current project was not commissioned, an impressive rehabilitation by Philippe Stark, which took 8 years to complete.
Today Azkuna Zentroa has a modern, artistic and impressive interior. It houses spaces for leisure, art, culture, sport and fun. And to go to it is essential for anyone who wants to visit Bilbao taking the pulse to the city.
Schedules to visit Azkuna Zentroa on your trip to Bilbao
If you have decided to come to visit Bilbao value the different ways you can enjoy in Azkuna Zentroa. It is definitely worth including in your trip to the city. See Azkuna Zentroa’s website for more information.
(Click on the image and drag to see the 360°).