Palacio Euskalduna (Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall), Bilbao

The Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall inhabits the former Euskalduna shipyards, transforming industrial roots into a symbol of modern Bilbao’s cultural rebirth. Designed by Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios, the structure intentionally evokes a ship under construction-its steel, glass, and concrete exterior, layered with rust-hued panels, speaks to both the region’s maritime legacy and contemporary stylistic daring.

Since opening its doors in February 1999, the centre has become a multipurpose cultural powerhouse. It boasts the largest stage in Europe-1,770 m² housed within its 2,164‑seat main auditorium-plus smaller theatres, numerous meeting rooms, an expansive 4,200 m² exhibition hall, restaurants, and commercial galleries. Notably, in 2003 it earned the prestigious Apex Award as the world’s best congress centre, and it also received the Enric Miralles architecture prize.

The venue hosts the esteemed Bilbao Association of Friends of the Opera opera season and serves as the home stage for the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, established in 1920. Over a quarter-century, it has welcomed over 11 million visitors across more than 17,000 events-from opera, ballet, and classical concerts to academic graduations, political forums, and even Athletic Club assemblies.