September 15
Today, the university is giving us free tickets to see the Guggenheim Museum. It’s just down the river from the school, a large silver beacon on my daily walk to class. If the exterior is anything to judge by, the interior is going to be magnificent.
Though the shape of the building is the most eye-catching, it may be the giant statue outside the entrance that holds one’s attention; Puppy. He was made of flowers and steel by Jeff Koons in 1992, though with a slightly misleading pronunciation. See: ‘Poopy’ with a long Castellano ‘u’.
Another famous work is also outside the museum; maman by Louise Bourgeois in 1999.
The exterior shape of the building lends itself to a very interesting interior, managing to be open and spacious while still sectioning off each exhibit. As per their rules, no pictures are allowed to be taken of the artwork (and I don’t think my words would be able to aptly describe it anyways) but I’ll talk about a few of my favorites.
On the ground floor is one of the larger installations that can be seen. Towering wooden walls make curling shapes—not unlike a corn maze—that one can walk through. As you go between the walls in the narrow space provided, the walls tilt one way and then the other. This is purposeful so as to throw off the balance of the viewer. Another great feature? The way the walls curve inward at the top makes every sound echo! It’s so cool.
The top floor features their masterpieces, the permanent collection at the Guggenheim. Though I’m far from an art history major, I did recognize a few pieces. It’s mind-blowing to think that artists painted these all those years ago and that they have been so well preserved.
September 16
Today is spent exploring Bilbao in a little more depth. Bilbao has so many secret places that it’s too easy to walk in a new direction and come across a beautiful vista.
Exhibit A: This park near the Fine Arts Museum with architecture that proves how old Bilbao really is (circa 1300). These are some of my favorite shots, the red stones contrasting with the green life that’s taken them over.
A little bit of research later, I learn that the name of the park is the ‘Parque de Doña Casilda’, after the woman, Casilda Iturrízar, who donated the land. It’s over 100 years old and one of the first parks in the neighborhood.
In a different section of the park, there’s a gated pond with multiple species of birds. It’s a surprising find and I spend a lot of time looking at the more exotic types, including what I believe to be swans and a peacock. To my great disappointment, I can’t convince the peacock to spread his feathers.
Before leaving, I come across a section of the park that has been designated for what looks like a children’s festival for the weekend. There’s bouncy houses, food carts and a stage where a performer is encouraging the kids to stand up and dance. It’s a great people-watching opportunity…not to mention the chance to practice my Spanish when I order from one of the food carts!
