Alhóndiga Bilbao
País Vasco
Azkuna Zentroa, originally known as Alhóndiga Bilbao, is a multifunctional cultural and leisure center located in Bilbao, Spain. The building was constructed between 1905 and 1909 as a municipal wine warehouse, designed by architect Ricardo Bastida, and is notable for being one of the first public buildings in the region to use reinforced concrete. After suffering a fire in 1919 and a long period of closure, it was transformed in the 2000s into a modern cultural hub with the creative intervention of designer Philippe Starck, reopening in 2010. The center occupies an entire city block in Bilbao's Ensanche district, featuring a spacious, open interior layout with distinctive reinforced concrete pillars and large glazed areas that allow natural light to flood the space. Its exterior combines monumental presence with thoughtful integration into the urban fabric, adapting to the surrounding streets and topography. In 2015, the center was renamed Azkuna Zentroa to honor Iñaki Azkuna, the former mayor of Bilbao. Today, it serves as a dynamic venue for cultural events, exhibitions, cinema, and social activities, making it a landmark of Bilbao's urban and cultural revitalization.
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Tip: Visit Azkuna Zentroa during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Advance booking is recommended for special exhibitions and events. The center offers discounted tickets for students, seniors, and groups. Check the official website for opening hours and program updates before your visit.
Zajímavosti
- •The building was one of the first public structures in Vizcaya to use reinforced concrete.
- •Philippe Starck's renovation preserved the original concrete pillars, which were repurposed into unique columns with different designs.
- •The center occupies an entire city block in Bilbao's Ensanche district, a key urban expansion area.
- •It was renamed in 2015 to honor Iñaki Azkuna, the mayor who strongly supported Bilbao's cultural transformation.
Historie
Built between 1905 and 1909 by Ricardo Bastida as a municipal wine warehouse, the building was an early example of reinforced concrete architecture in the Basque Country.
It suffered a significant fire in 1919 but was restored afterward.
The facility was closed for many years before plans to convert it into a cultural center emerged in the 1980s, initially involving artist Jorge Oteiza, though this project was abandoned.
The successful transformation came in the late 2000s with Philippe Starck's redesign, leading to its reopening in 2010.
In 2015, it was renamed Azkuna Zentroa in tribute to the late mayor Iñaki Azkuna, reflecting its role as a symbol of Bilbao's cultural and urban renewal.
Průvodce po místě
Reinforced Concrete Pillars1905-1909
One of the building's most distinctive features are its original reinforced concrete pillars, which were creatively transformed by Philippe Starck into unique columns with varied designs, adding artistic and architectural interest to the interior space.
Main Hall and Open Interior2010 (renovation)
The interior is characterized by a spacious, open-plan layout that spans an entire city block, allowing visitors to experience a vast and luminous space. Large openings in the floors and glazed areas provide natural light and visual connectivity between levels.
Exterior Facades and Urban Integration1905-1909 (original), 2010 (renovation)
The building's exterior combines monumental presence with careful adaptation to its urban surroundings, responding to the different street levels and providing multiple access points. The facades reflect both the building's functional origins and its role as a cultural landmark.
Kontakt
Telefon: 944 01 40 14