Opened in September 1997, Bilbao’s Museo Guggenheim lifted modern architecture and Bilbao into the 21st century – with sensation. It boosted the city’s already inspired regeneration, stimulated further development and placed Bilbao firmly in the world art and tourism spotlight. Canadian architect Frank Gehry’s inspired use of flowing canopies, cliffs, promontories, ship shapes, towers and flying fins is irresistible. The gleaming titanium tiles that sheathe most of the building like giant herring scales are said to have been inspired by the architect’s childhood fascination with fish. The exhibitions in the museum itself change often and the museum's permanent collection concerns 20th century art. The highlight of the collection is The Matter of Time, a series of weathering steel sculptures designed by Richard Serra and housed in the Fish Gallery. The collections usually highlight Avant-garde art, 20th century abstraction and non-objective art. Bilbao or Bilbo in Basque is a city to dream about – vital, vibrant and culturally dynamic, yet somehow stress-free. The city throngs with sophisticated yet earthy locals, its cuisine is positively lip-smacking, there’s nonstop partying if you want to burn out in style, and a rich Basque culture more than matches the internationalism of the Guggenheim. Don’t miss it!