The new modern and contemporary art museum, joined to those of New York and Venice, guarantee a first-range artistic programme that allows Bilbao to enter the main international circuits.

The construction work began in 1993 as devised by the Californian architect, Frank O. Gehry, and will be inaugurated in 1997.

BILBAO HARBOUR EXTENSION

Metropolitan Bilbao boasts major harbour facilities. The depths of water between 20 and 32 metres allow the mooring of the biggest transoceanic boats and the new multi-function merchandise station will enable its transfer with other means of transport through motorway and railway which connect with the main cities of the Atlantic and South Europe Coasts.

A NEW "WATERFRONT": ABANDOIBARRA

One of the economic reactivating programmes designed for the Metropolis is the promotion of the Bilbao Waterfront (Abandoibarra), a new cultural and regional business focus. Architect: Cesar Pelli.

NEW TERMINAL AT BILBAO AIRPORT

The steady increase in air traffic and the deregulation of air transport are among the factors that have led to an extension and modernisation project at Bilbao Airport. Architect: Santiago Calatrava.

INTERMODAL STATION

The development of the interchange transport knot for high-speed, suburban and long distance trains, urban and intercity buses, metro and car-parking, will be completed by other residential and service elements. Architect: Michael Wilford (successor de James Stirling).

THE CONFERENCE AND CONCERT HALL

The ABAO Opera Season, the Symphony Orchestra and the Coral Society have contributed to the international prestige of Bilbao. The Conference and Concert Hall will enhance both musical performances and congress activities, as Bilbao does not only attract intense commercial tourism but also generates a very large amount of business through its International Exhibition Hall, one of the leading exhibition centres in West and South Europe. Architects: Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios.

METRO BILBAO

The Metropolitan Underground designed using high-technology systems, is developing its second line to connect both riverbanks. The spectacular stations have been designed by internationally acclaimed leading architects such us Britain's Norman Foster.