Since its inception, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Collection has fulfilled its mission of conserving, disseminating, and promoting modern and contemporary art it does so by adhering to principles of excellence, sustainability, and gender equality in the acquisition of works, as reflected in the artworks exhibited in its galleries since the Museum opening in 1997. These holdings encompass artists from different generations and geographical origins.  

The following examples in the exhibition reflect some of the themes present in the Museum Collection: Key Works in art history that have influenced other creations or encapsulate an artist’s career. Examples include pieces by Yves Klein (b. 1928; d. 1962), Helen Frankenthaler (b. 1928; d. 2011), or Martha Jungwirth (b. 1940).  

In-depth Views of the work by prominent international artists from the second half of the 20th century, like Jorge Oteiza (b. 1908; d. 2003) and Eduardo Chillida (b. 1924; d. 2002), and Anselm Kiefer (b. 1945). Site-specific Pieces conceived for the Museum’s unique architectural spaces designed by Frank Gehry (b. 1929), like the installations by Richard Serra (b. 1938; d. 2024), and Jenny Holzer (b. 1950). 

Basque and Spanish Art created by artists from different generations, such as Juan Pérez Agirregoikoa (b. 1963), Ibon Aranberri (b. 1969), and Erlea Maneros Zabala (b. 1977); and Pablo Palazuelo (b. 1915; d. 2007) and Antoni Tapiès (b. 1923; d. 2012). 

 

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Photo: Erika Ede.