Azkuna Zentroa
Multi-purpose venue in Basque Country, Spain
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Azkuna Zentroa (Basque for Azkuna Centre), previously known as Alhóndiga Bilbao (Spanish pronunciation: [aˈlondiɣa βilˈβao]), is a multi-purpose venue located in the city of Bilbao, Spain. It was designed by French designer Philippe Starck in collaboration with Thibaut Mathieu[1] and was opened to the public in stages between 18 May and 24 October 2010. The venue, labeled as a "Culture and Leisure Centre", consist of a cinema multiplex, a fitness centre, a library, showrooms, an auditorium, shops, and a restaurant.[2][3] In March 2015 its name was officially changed to Azkuna Zentroa in tribute to the late mayor of Bilbao Iñaki Azkuna.[4]
| Azkuna Zentroa | |
|---|---|
Alhóndiga Municipal de Bilbao | |
Inside Azkuna Zentroa. | |
 Interactive map of the Azkuna Zentroa area | |
| General information | |
| Type | Multi-purpose venue |
| Architectural style | Modernism |
| Location | Bilbao, Basque Country, 4, Arriquibar Square, Spain |
| Coordinates | 43°15′35″N 2°56′13″W |
| Construction started | 1905 |
| Completed | 1909 |
| Renovated | 2001-2010 |
| Cost | 71 million euros |
| Technical details | |
| Floor area | 43,000 m2 (460,000 sq ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Ricardo Bastida |
| Other designers | Philippe Starck, Thibaut Mathieu |
| Website | |
| www | |
Originally a wine market (alhóndiga in Spanish), it was designed by Basque architect Ricardo Bastida and inaugurated in 1909. However, in the 1970s, a new warehouse was planned and the Alhóndiga was abandoned. Several projects were suggested, ranging from public housing, a museum of modern art, or even demolishing the entire building, but all were scrapped. Finally, in 1994 it was decided to renovate it and build a sports and culture centre.[5] The Basque Government decided to declare the building "Public Property of Cultural Interest" in 1999.[2][6]
