Azkuna Zentroa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Azkuna Zentroa |
|
|---|---|
|
Alhóndiga Municipal de Bilbao
|
|
Inside Azkuna Zentroa.
|
|
| General information | |
| Type | Multi-purpose venue |
| Architectural style | Modernism |
| Location | Bilbao, Basque Country |
| Address | 4, Arriquibar Square |
| Country | Spain |
| Coordinates | 43°15′35″N 2°56′13″W / 43.25972°N 2.93694°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 |
Azkuna Zentroa is a super cool place in the city of Bilbao, Spain. It's a big building where you can do many different things! Think of it as a giant community center.
This amazing building was designed by a famous French designer named Philippe Starck. It opened its doors in 2010. People call it a "Culture and Leisure Centre" because it has so much to offer. You can find a movie theater, a fitness center, a library, art spaces, and even shops and restaurants inside.
Its original name was Alhóndiga Bilbao. But in 2015, it was renamed Azkuna Zentroa. This was done to honor Iñaki Azkuna, who used to be the mayor of Bilbao. Azkuna Zentroa means Azkuna Centre in the Basque language.
What Was Azkuna Zentroa Before?
This building has a long history! It was first built a long time ago, in 1909. Back then, it was a corn exchange. This means it was a large warehouse where people bought and sold grain, like corn. A Basque architect named Ricardo Bastida designed it.
But in the 1970s, the building was no longer used for grain. It became empty and was left alone for many years. People had lots of ideas for what to do with it. Some thought about making it into homes or even a modern art museum. There was even talk of tearing it down! But none of these plans worked out.
How It Became a Modern Culture Hub
Finally, in 1994, a big decision was made. They decided to fix up the old building and turn it into a modern sports and culture center. This was a huge project!
The government of the Basque Country also declared the building important. In 1999, they officially called it "Public Property of Cultural Interest." This meant it was a special building that needed to be protected.
The renovation took many years, from 2001 to 2010. Now, Azkuna Zentroa is a lively place where people of all ages can enjoy culture, sports, and fun activities. It's a great example of how an old building can get a new life!
