What Azkuna Zentroa and Mediateka BBK are
Azkuna Zentroa is a cultural complex in the heart of Bilbao, housed in the former Alhóndiga municipal wine and liquor warehouse. Its historic exterior surrounds a multifunctional centre with spaces for culture, leisure and innovation.
Mediateka BBK, located within Azkuna Zentroa, is one of Spain’s largest multimedia libraries. Opened in 2010, it holds over 70,000 resources, including books, magazines, films, video games and digital materials. Its programming spans science, literature, technology and the arts.
History
The Alhóndiga was built between 1905 and 1909 to meet Bilbao’s wine and food storage needs. Designed by architect Ricardo Bastida, it was a pioneering example of early 20th-century industrial architecture, noted for its reinforced concrete and modernist style. Changing industrial trends led to the warehouse’s decline and abandonment in the late 20th century.
In the early 2000s, designer Philippe Starck transformed the building into a 43,000-square-meter multifunctional centre, preserving its historic exterior while reworking the interior. Its renovation introduced the Atrium of Cultures, supported by 43 distinctive columns, alongside spaces for cinemas, sports, exhibitions and the Mediateka BBK.
Mediateka BBK was established through a partnership between the City of Bilbao and BBK, a leading Basque financial institution. The partnership supports cultural programming and accessibility.
What to see and do
Azkuna Zentroa
The Atrium of Cultures and its 43 uniquely styled columns are central architectural features. The centre also has a rooftop glass-bottomed pool, cinemas, sports and exhibition spaces, and dining options.
Azkuna Zentroa hosts exhibitions, screenings, workshops and family activities. Mediateka BBK’s programme includes reading sessions and digital workshops, as well as collaborations such as the immersive installation “BRUMA. Jugar en paisajes brumosos” (Txikiplan).
Mediateka BBK
The library has reading areas for all ages, quiet reading and group-work spaces, and leisure areas for adults and young people. Its Txikilandia children’s area includes a Bebeteca and spaces for early readers (Sapos y Princesas).
Other facilities include multimedia labs with computers and tablets, creative technology, self-service kiosks and the Gallery Mediateka, which hosts exhibitions and interactive art (Europa Press). The Mediateka also provides free Wi-Fi, public computers and e-reader loans.
Its collections include fiction, comics, children’s books, films, e-books and resources on Basque culture, alongside magazines and other digital resources. Digital services include an online catalogue, e-book lending and interactive learning stations. The library offers workshops on coding, media production and online safety, as well as adaptive technologies and multilingual resources. Workshops and lectures may be offered in person or online.
Programmes include Ipuin txiki, children’s storytelling; Sormenaren txokoa, teen creative workshops; Mediateka Konektatu, school programmes; and the Gutun Zuria Festival. Mediateka BBK also hosts family activities, educational programmes and digital literacy training, and contributes to major cultural events such as the Gutun Zuria Bilbao International Festival of Letters.
The Mediateka’s work focuses on inclusion, sustainability and multiculturalism, with programmes for children, families, schools and adults. It participates in international cultural networks, connecting with over 100 organizations and hosting international exhibitions. The partnership with BBK supports its role in community engagement and social cohesion.
Practical visiting information
Hours
Azkuna Zentroa’s general visiting hours are:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00–21:00
- Sundays and public holidays: 11:00–20:00
Mediateka BBK’s hours are:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00–20:00
- Sundays and public holidays: 10:00–14:00
Hours may vary during special events. Check the official website before visiting.
Tickets and library cards
General access to Azkuna Zentroa and Mediateka BBK is free. Special exhibitions and events may require tickets, available on-site or online.
Borrowing and some activities require an AZ card, which costs €3. It can be obtained at the Infopuntua; a Basque Public Library Network card can also be used. The AZ card provides borrowing privileges and discounts on activities.
Address, contact and getting there
Address: Plaza Arriquibar, 4, 48010 Bilbao, Bizkaia, in the Abando district
Contact: +34 944 01 40 14
Website: Mediateka BBK
Moyúa metro station, on Lines 1 and 2, is a 5-minute walk away. Indautxu metro station, the tram and buses are also listed as public transport options; multiple bus lines serve the nearby area. Bicycle racks and paid parking are available nearby. Parking is available, though public transport is recommended.
Accessibility and facilities
The centre is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, with ramps, elevators and adapted restrooms. Signage is in Basque, Spanish and English. Cafés and other amenities are available in or adjacent to the complex.
Tips for visitors
- Consult the Azkuna Zentroa website for current exhibitions, events and opening hours.
- Get an AZ card at the Infopuntua if you want borrowing privileges or activity discounts.
- Photography for personal use is allowed, but check the rules for exhibitions.
- Guided tours are available; book through the official website or visitor centre. Tours are primarily offered for special programmes and school groups, so inquire at the Infopuntua or online.
Nearby places
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: a 15-minute walk
- Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s Old Town
- Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park
- Scenic riverfront walks
FAQ
Is Azkuna Zentroa suitable for children?
Yes. It has child-friendly spaces and activities, including the Txikilandia children’s area in Mediateka BBK.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. General entry to Azkuna Zentroa and Mediateka BBK is free. Borrowing requires an AZ card, which costs €3; special exhibitions and events may require tickets.
What are Mediateka BBK’s visiting hours?
Monday to Saturday, 10:00–20:00; Sundays and public holidays, 10:00–14:00.
How can I get a library card?
Obtain an AZ card at the Infopuntua, or use a Basque Public Library Network card.
Are guided tours available?
Guided tours are available, primarily for special programmes and school groups. Book through the official website or visitor centre, or inquire at the Infopuntua.
Can I take photos?
Photography for personal use is allowed, but exhibition rules may differ.
Are there restaurants on-site?
Several cafés and restaurants are available.
Is the centre accessible?
Yes. It has ramps, elevators, adapted restrooms and signage in Basque, Spanish and English.
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