General view of Azkuna Zentroa, Alhondiga building.

@jorgecachoh/iStock

Azkuna Zentroa

Bilbao


Take a neglected wine storage warehouse, convert it into a leisure and cultural centre, add a shot of Bilbao style and the result is the Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga in Basque). Repurposed by renowned architect Philippe Starck, it now houses a cinema, art gallery, rooftop swimming pool with a glass bottom, a public media centre, cafes and restaurants. The ground floor is notable for its 43 tubby columns, each constructed with a unique design symbolising infinite cultures, architecture, wars and religion.

Also here is a Basque design shop, DendAZ.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bilbao attractions

1. Plaza de Federico Moyúa

0.22 MILES

With its fountains and spinning traffic, Plaza de Federico Moyúa is the heart of the Ensanche. It's home to the regal Hotel Carlton, once the hotel of…

2. Museo Taurino de Bilbao

0.29 MILES

Although Bilbao isn’t a bullfighting city in the manner of the towns of Andalucía, the audiences here are considered by matadors to be among the most…

3. Museo de Bellas Artes

0.39 MILES

The Museo de Bellas Artes houses a compelling collection that includes everything from Gothic sculptures to 20th-century pop art. There are three main…

4. Parque de Doña Casilda de Iturrizar

0.46 MILES

Planted with maples, lindens, cedars, palms and 70 other species of trees, the Parque de Doña Casilda de Iturrizar was completed in 1920. The centrepiece…

5. Concordia Train Station

0.52 MILES

The Concordia train station, with its art nouveau facade of wrought iron and tiles, was built in 1902 and for many years provided colour and interest in a…

6. Estadio San Mamés

0.6 MILES

Bilbao's modern football stadium, home of local team Athletic Bilbao, overlooks the river to the west of the city centre. Opened in 2013, it has a…

7. Museo Athletic Club

0.6 MILES

A must for all AC Bilbao fans, this high-tech museum delves into the club's legendary past, with gear and trophies dating back to 1905. Interactive…

8. Museo Guggenheim Bilbao

0.62 MILES

Shimmering titanium Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is one of modern architecture's most iconic buildings. It played a major role in helping to lift Bilbao out of…