Guggenheim Bilbao: hours, tickets and the best time to avoid crowds
Quick answer
The Guggenheim Bilbao is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am–7pm (until 8pm from 15 June to 13 September and in Holy Week). Admission is €12 (reduced €6) and free for under 18s. The best time to avoid crowds is 10am on a weekday.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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Guggenheim Bilbao free entry: what's possible
The museum has no fixed free slot for the general public. Under 18s and members get in free, and the museum sometimes opens free on specific days (such as International Museum Day in May) or runs resident programmes that change every year. Check the official site before travelling, because these offers vary and usually require advance booking. What is always free is the exterior: Puppy, Maman, the Tulips and the facade.
Best time to visit without crowds
- Tuesday to Thursday at 10am with an online ticket is the quietest combination.
- Avoid weekends, long weekends and July and August at midday, when tour groups arrive.
- After 4pm crowds thin and the light on the titanium is better for exterior photos.
- On rainy days, which are common in Bilbao, it's busier inside: arrive at opening.
Where to buy tickets
Buy only from the official website (guggenheim-bilbao.eus): the museum warns that issued tickets are non-refundable and that fraudulent sites exist. The audio guide is included; as a complement, the AnyArt app identifies works with your camera and tells their story with nothing to rent.
Frequently asked questions
Which day is the Guggenheim Bilbao free?
There is no fixed free day for everyone. Under 18s and members always get in free, and the museum runs occasional free days that are worth checking on its official site.
How much is a Guggenheim Bilbao ticket in 2026?
€12 general and €6 reduced (students aged 18–26 and over 65s). The combined ticket with the Fine Arts Museum is €16.
Is the Guggenheim open on Mondays?
Normally no. The museum closes on Mondays except marked dates, such as summer Mondays between 15 June and early September.
What time does the Guggenheim close?
At 7pm Tuesday to Sunday, and 8pm in Holy Week and from 15 June to 13 September.
Can I just see the Guggenheim from outside?
Yes. You can walk around the building and see the outdoor sculptures, the fire fountain and the La Salve bridge for free.