Museo Guggenheim Bilbao

Lord Cultural Resources was commissioned to establish a governance and management framework for the museums and cultural centres across the province of Bizkaia, in the Basque Country (Spain).

Bizkaia, with Bilbao as its capital, is a dynamic province in northern Spain known for its rich and diverse cultural landscape. It is home to approximately 40 museums and cultural institutions, ranging in scope, scale, and character—from the internationally renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Museum of Fine Arts to the Museum of Basque Culture, the Mining Museum, the Peace Museum, and many others. These institutions vary significantly in terms of collections, visitor experiences, attendance figures, management models, and budgets.

Recognizing the need for greater synergy and more efficient resource distribution, the Department of Culture of Bizkaia initiated the development of a coordinated museum network. Lord Cultural Resources was invited to design this network and propose an effective management structure to support its implementation. Our work involved on-site visits and interviews with 24 local cultural institutions, along with a detailed assessment of financial and operational data, which led to the identification of key areas for improvement. We analyzed national and international best practices, and proposed a governance and management model for the network. This process included focus groups with key stakeholders, the development of an optimal model tested through on-the-ground validation, and the design of a phased implementation plan.

Concurrently, we were engaged to support the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in developing its Strategic Plan for 2009–2012. Our participatory methodology—engaging museum staff, local communities, key stakeholders, and national and international thought leaders—resulted in a well-grounded, consensus-driven strategy.

“Lord Cultural Resources contributed an efficient methodology and a multidisciplinary approach that made it possible to integrate the expectations and viewpoints about the Museum’s operations from representative spheres of the local society and the museum world in general.”

Juan Ignacio Vidarte, Director General, Guggenheim Bilbao