BILBAO.- The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is buzzing with excitement as it nears a major milestone in its ambitious expansion project. Today marks the completion of the extensive renovation of its iconic 1970 building, paving the way for a series of captivating exhibitions and a grand public reopening starting this October.

Led by renowned architects Norman Foster and Luis María Uriarte, the museum's expansion isn't just about adding new spaces; it's a careful blend of past and present. The newly revamped 1970 building will share its main entrance and central hub with the upcoming Agravitas addition, creating a seamless flow for visitors. This smart design means the museum can start welcoming the public back for special exhibitions and educational programs even as construction on Agravitas wraps up.

A Modern Makeover for a Historic Gem

The 1970 building, designed by Álvaro Líbano and Ricardo Beascoa, was groundbreaking in its time. It was Spain's first purpose-built museum for contemporary art, showcasing a forward-thinking vision that has defined the museum's identity for decades. Its recent renovation, spanning nearly 6,000 square meters, was a complex undertaking. The goal was to bring the building up to modern safety and fire regulations while preserving its significant architectural character. This meant a meticulous process that highlighted its original features but also embraced earlier adaptations, like the enclosed porch designed by Rufino Basáñez and Álvaro Líbano.

The public will get their first taste of the revitalized museum in October, with the opening of Chillida Square and the shifting of all public activities to the 1970 building. This move will allow the final stages of the Agravitas construction to proceed unhindered, including the creation of a new passage connecting the original 1945 building to the new Arriaga atrium.

A Season of Artistic Wonders: October 2025 – June 2026

The newly restored galleries of the 1970 building will host a special program called A(r)teak zabalduz (Opening Arts), featuring an impressive lineup of exhibitions and public events.

Chillida's Iconic "In Praise of Iron III" Returns Home

Starting October 8, 2025, the museum's Chillida Square will proudly display Eduardo Chillida's monumental sculpture, Elogio del hierro III (In Praise of Iron III) (1991). This 4-meter-tall, 18-ton masterpiece, originally commissioned by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, was a beloved symbol of Bilbao for over two decades. After a temporary stay at Chillida Leku, it returns thanks to a loan agreement with BBVA, taking its rightful place back in the city that inspired it. The sculpture's title itself is a nod to Bilbao's rich iron industry, reflecting Chillida's deep connection to this material and his pioneering journey into abstract sculpture.

"Ataria (one)": A Journey Through Bilbao's Artistic Landscape

Also opening October 8, 2025, on the ground floor of the 1970 building, "Ataria (bat)" will offer a captivating look at public art connected to Bilbao and the museum. From Iñaki de la Fuente's 1973 mural De la Ría al Abra to Ainara LeGardon's 2023 sound piece Pausa Pulsar, this exhibition spans decades of artistic practice. It will feature approximately thirty works, including Agustín Ibarrola's recently restored Euskadi (1977-1979) and a model of Richard Serra's La materia del tiempo (1994-2005), originally conceived for the Guggenheim. The exhibit will transform the building's former open porch into a vibrant covered plaza, showcasing art that engages with the city's identity.

Georg Baselitz: A Decade of Masterpieces

The first floor of the 1970 building will host "Georg Baselitz. Paintings 2014-2025," opening October 8, 2025. This major exhibition will feature around fifty striking paintings created by the influential German artist over the past decade, selected by historian Norman Rosenthal. Baselitz's powerful, large-scale works, some reaching impressive sizes of up to 480 x 300 cm, delve into his signature themes of the body, autobiography, and art history. The exhibition promises a look at the enduring creative force of an artist who, like titans such as Titian and Picasso, continues to innovate in his later years. This exhibition will also tie into the BBKmuseoa program, sparking conversations about active aging and intergenerational connections.

Denise Scott Brown: A Groundbreaking Retrospective

Looking ahead to February 3, 2026, the ground floor of the 1970 building will welcome the first major retrospective in Spain dedicated to architect Denise Scott Brown. Born in Zambia in 1931, Scott Brown is a pivotal figure in 20th-century architecture, best known for her groundbreaking work with her late husband, Robert Venturi, including the influential Learning from Las Vegas (1972). Curated by María Pía Fontana and Miguel Mayorga, the exhibition will display over one hundred original works—drawings, photographs, posters, furniture, and models—offering an unprecedented look at her immense contributions to contemporary visual culture. A documentary, featuring interviews and recordings made at her Philadelphia home, will allow visitors to hear her voice directly.

"Parallels / Meridians: The Iberdrola Collection"

Finally, from April 28, 2026, the first floor of the 1970 building will feature "Parallels / Meridians. Iberdrola Collection." Coinciding with Iberdrola's 125th anniversary, this exhibition will showcase a wide selection from the company's collection of over three hundred modern and contemporary art pieces. The exhibition will explore the collection's journey from late 19th-century Basque modernity to 21st-century international art, organized around themes of Light, Nature, and Ingenuity. A special section will highlight works related to Bilbao, reflecting Iberdrola's deep roots in the city.