Palacio Euskalduna

Overview

The Palacio Euskalduna is Bilbao's premier conference and performing arts venue, built on the site of the last shipyard on the Nervión. Its angular, rust-coloured Corten steel exterior deliberately evokes the hull of a ship under construction.

Highlights

• Concert Hall: A 2,200-seat auditorium with world-class acoustics, home to the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra (BOS).
• Architecture: Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios' design references the shipbuilding history of the site.
• Annual Opera Season: The venue hosts the ABAO opera season and international touring productions.

History

Inaugurated in 1999, the Palacio was built on the exact footprint of the Astilleros Euskalduna shipyard, which had been one of Spain's most important shipyards before closing in 1984. The name pays homage to the shipyard's legacy.

Visitor Tips

• Check the BOS concert schedule — tickets are affordable and the acoustics are exceptional.
• The exterior is best seen from the opposite bank of the Nervión at sunset.
• Duration: 30 minutes (visit) or 2+ hours (performance).