Construction begins on Foster + Partners' 'floating' extension to Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

2022-11-22T14:35:00-05:00

Construction has commenced on the Foster + Partners-designed Bilbao Fine Arts Museum in Spain. The firm won the commission to remodel and expand the existing museum in 2019, seeing off competition from five other international teams.

The project sees the expansion and remodeling of the existing 20th-century building, with major moves including the creation of a new public atrium space and art galleries in a “floating pavilion.” Outside, a new pathway will connect the original 1945 building, the 1970s extension, and a new visitors center.

Image credit: Foster + Partners

The design team’s approach revolved around the original 1945 building, which the team sought to make the “primary protagonist” of the complex through restoring its original entrance and internal sequence of spaces. 70 percent of the existing building will be upgraded, which, when combined with the new extension, will increase the museum’s usable area by 50 percent.

Image credit: Foster + Partners

The extension volum...

Archinect - News

Construction begins on Foster + Partners' 'floating' extension to Bilbao Fine Arts Museum