The best way to describe Open House Bilbao 2025 is ‘heritage in motion’. Taking place over a full week from 29 September to 5 October, the festival reminded visitors of their love for the city’s iconic and historic buildings, such as the Church of San Nicolás de Bilbao, Bilbao City Hall and the Bidebarrieta Library. Simultaneously, ongoing development projects perfectly encapsulated how architecture can be an unfinished text, with each generation adding its own paragraph.

Throughout the week, the festival offered a diverse programme focused on architecture and urban planning. In total, 89 emblematic buildings—including many spaces normally closed to the public—opened their doors so that residents and visitors could explore them through free guided tours. These visits were made possible thanks to the dedication of 580 volunteers who shared insights about each site with more than 22,000 participants.

This year, a primary focus was highlighting new ways of doing architecture while valuing traditional approaches under the Open House Europe shared theme, ‘Future Heritage’. Emerging studios and unconventional proposals were included to show that the discipline extends beyond iconic structures. Additionally, accessibility and inclusion played an important role; many open spaces were fully accessible, and activities aimed to bring architecture closer to all audiences.

Four key highlights from the programme exemplified this theme:

Aterpe Plaza Larrabetzu 

Although located outside Bilbao, this project was selected for creating a clear dialogue between the town’s architectural past and future. By transforming a disused building into a light, open, timber-structured shelter, the project preserves the traditional role of the aterpe as a communal gathering place while reinterpreting it through contemporary design. It demonstrates how public spaces can evolve to meet present needs while carrying forward cultural memory.

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum 

The inclusion of the museum highlighted its transformation into an institution bridging past and future. The building combines historical layers—from the 1945 structure to the current ‘Agravitas’ expansion by Foster + Partners and LM Uriarte Arkitektura. The expansion respects the museum’s legacy while reinterpreting it to meet contemporary needs: more exhibition space and a renewed connection to the city.

Panoramic Access to Horno Alto 

This project was chosen as a highlight because it transforms a post-industrial relic into a living bridge between eras. By installing an urban elevator and zigzag staircase, the project reconnects the historic industrial structure of Horno Alto nº 1 with its community. It demonstrates how heritage can evolve not as a frozen monument, but as a dynamic part of the city’s future.

Presentation by Abando Taupadak 

The presentation of Abando Taupadak explored how Bilbao is preparing to reinvent a central neighbourhood. Following the planned burial of railway tracks, this project will free up some 130,000 m² for a new park, homes, and public facilities, while transforming the historic station’s vault into a vibrant public space. It merges heritage preservation with forward-looking urban transformation.

In summary, Open House Bilbao is more than an architectural event; it is an opportunity for citizens to become aware of their city through its urban planning. The event promotes, disseminates and socialises architecture among a broad audience in a participatory way.