The ONCE Foundation and AENOR signed a collaboration agreement in January 2004, with the objective, among others, to promote the global accessibility management system implementation and certification. In this framework, AENOR developed the Accessibility Registered Mark whose property is shared with the ONCE Foundation.

The use and enjoyment of goods and services necessarily goes through the obligation of all of them being accessible for all citizens independently of their age or possible disabilities. For this reason the global accessibility management system has to be considered as another system integrated inside the organisation overall system, mainly for those firms that try to offer excellent services.
In Spain, three organisations have achieved the Global Accessibility Management System Certification, being one of them the Guggenheim Bilbao (the other two are Shopping Malls).

This unique building which echoes the shipbuilding industry in the city was designed by the architect Frank O. Gehry and opened its doors to the public in 1997. While the museum is a spectacular monument from the river Nervion, on street level it is quite modest and does not overwhelm its traditional surroundings. The museum was opened as part of a revitalization effort for the city of Bilbao and for the Basque Country. Almost immediately after its opening it became a top popular tourist attraction.

The Museum has lifts, ramps and adapted toilets that allow the disabled to have a comfortable visit. There is also a ramp at the entrance for groups, facing the estuary. A free wheel-chair service, as well as baby pushchairs, and easy-to-use portable chairs (specially designed for Museum visits) is available. You may ask for the accessibility guide at the Museum information desk.

The Museum offers visitors the chance to use audioguides during their visit. The audioguide system gives visitors complete autonomy during their visit and provides explanations on the architecture of the building and on the exhibitions. Information at the audioguide counter located in the accessway to the Museum.

For hearing impaired visitors the Museum has specially adapted PDA and magnetic loop videoguides available in the Auditorium.

The Museum offers free guided tours for disabled persons (advance booking is essential)

- Tours in sign language for the hearing impaired.
- Tactile tours for the visually impaired.
- Tours for the mentally challenged.

Specific educational programs for the disabled are also available ; reservation on (34) 944 35 90 90

Free guided tours (in Basque, Spanish and English) are carried out from Tuesday to Sunday.
Morning: 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.
Afternoon: 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

There's a Café inside the Museum and a Café-Restaurant (with access and opening hours separate from those of the Museum) offering bar snacks, a set menu, and an à la carte menu which also has a magnificent outdoor café in summer.

Try to avoid visiting peak hours (from 11:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.) as you might have to queue for a while.

Opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a .m.- 8 p.m.
Monday: closed.
In July and August the Museum opens Monday to Sunday from 10 a .m. to 8 p.m.

More Information:
Museum information desk: (+34) 94 435 90 80
(Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
e-mail: informacion@guggenheim-bilbao.es

Guggenheim Bilbao Museum
Abandoibarra etorbidea, 2. Bilbao
www.guggenheim-bilbao.es

 

Rebecca Arce