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Setting the scene
The industrial Basque city of Bilbao sought regeneration after decline in shipbuilding and steel. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation partnered with regional authorities to build a satellite museum on the Nervión riverfront.
What happened
Frank Gehry's titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum Bilbao opened on October 19, 1997, housing modern and contemporary art in sculptural galleries. Visitor numbers and tax revenue exceeded projections within a year.
Why it still matters
The 'Bilbao effect' inspired cities worldwide to commission star architects for cultural tourism. Memorable detail: Gehry designed much of the building using CATIA aerospace software after crumpling paper and studying fish forms for fluid shapes.
Background
Cities worldwide chased starchitect tourism.