Experts' Choice Award Azkuna Zentroa
What the experts agree on
A brilliantly reimagined 1910s wine warehouse transformed by designer Philippe Starck into Bilbao's vibrant cultural and sports hub, blending industrial heritage with contemporary leisure.
“French furniture and product designer Philippe Starck made his public debut as an architect by remaking this one-time Modernisme white elephant as Bilbao’s cultural and sporting center.”
– Frommer's
Fodor's "In the early 20th century this was a municipal wine-storage facility used by Bilbao's Rioja wine barons." Full review
National Geographic "Another architectural highlight is Azkuna Zentroa; the facade, which combines elements of a former 1909 corn exchange with 1970s additions, contains a multipurpose leisure complex with an..."
National Geographic "A bizarre but brilliant cultural complex created by French architect and designer Philippe Starck in 2010. Its vast, dark foyer is supported by a series of squat, stylised pillars...."
Lonely Planet "An old wine warehouse transformed into an exhibition space by Philippe Starck, Azkuna Zentroa hosts all sorts of events (and people!), and its cool rooftop pool is open year-round."
