Plans to establish a new Guggenheim Museum outpost in Guernica and the Urdaibai biosphere reserve in Spain have sparked controversy. Supporters argue that the development could revitalize Spain’s northern Basque region economically and culturally, especially given the Guggenheim’s Bilbao flagship is credited with transforming the city’s economy and society. Critics, however, are concerned about potential harm to the protected natural area. The proposed museum would be located in two sites: one in the town of Guernica, known for Picasso’s painting, and another within the Urdaibai reserve. Opponents, including Greenpeace and Ecologists in Action, argue that the project was launched without adequate public consultation and warn it could turn the area into a tourist hotspot, causing irreversible environmental damage. They fear an influx of tourists will require new infrastructure, such as roads and hotels, which could jeopardize the biosphere reserve's protected status.
Proponents of the project, including the Guggenheim Foundation and the Basque government, see the museum as a way to create jobs, boost local businesses, and improve essential services like transportation and healthcare. Skeptics, however, question whether tourism is the right approach for the area, raising concerns about broader economic and environmental impacts. The new museum is expected to attract at least 140,000 visitors annually, raising concerns that this could disrupt the local ecosystem, which supports wildlife and migratory birds. “The main issue is that the project isn’t the result of any diagnosis, programme or planning,” said Joserra Díez, a member of the Guggenheim Urdaibai Stop platform. “It’s just something that’s emerged because of the Guggenheim Foundation’s desire to extend its successful museum project in Bilbao.” Basque officials insist the project is in its early stages and that public consultations will take place before any final decisions. They claim the development will align with environmental protection measures and that the museum will manage visitor numbers to minimize potential harm.
“According to development figures, this area is the second most depressed part of the Basque Country…,” said Juan Ignacio Vidarte, the director-general of the Guggenheim Bilbao. “We believe a certain kind of tourism – but not just any kind of tourism – is compatible with Urdaibai’s status as a natural reserve, and we think our proposed project has taken that into account.” Amidst growing backlash against tourists and tourism across Spain, including incidents like visitors being sprayed with water pistols in Barcelona, many local residents fear overtourism may soon affect their area too.
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