Alhóndiga Bilbao

Alhóndiga Bilbao is a multi-purpose venue located in the city of Bilbao. It was designed by French designer Philippe Starck in collaboration with Thibaut Mathieu and it was opened to the public in stages between 18 May and 24 October, 2010. The venue, labeled as a "Culture and Leisure Centre", consists of a cinema multiplex, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, a library, showrooms, an auditorium, shops, and a restaurant.

Originally a wine warehouse, it was designed by Basque architect Ricardo Bastida and inaugurated in 1909. However, in the 1970s, a new warehouse was planned and the Alhóndiga was abandoned. Several projects were suggested, ranging from public housing, a museum of modern art, or even demolishing the entire building, but all were scrapped. Finally, in 1994 it was decided to renovate it and it build a sports and culture centre. The Basque Government decided to declare the building "Public Property of Cultural Interest" in 1999.

  Three mouth ago I went to "La Alhóndiga Bilbao" and I was fascinating with the 43 different columns that stretch the Alhóndiga. It was incredible, a lot of columns built in several stiles. It took photos of some of them.