An object deemed suspicious inside the Guggenheim Bilbao prompted the Ertzaintza to evacuate the museum and seal off the surrounding area while investigators began a thorough inspection. The precautionary move kept visitors and staff safe, with officers directing people away from the entrance and maintaining a secure perimeter until authorities gave the all-clear. The Guggenheim, a renowned Bilbao landmark that draws locals and travelers in equal measure, is especially busy during holiday periods when crowds swell. There were no reports of injuries, and the incident remained under formal inquiry as authorities assess the potential risk and await additional details.
<pAccording to the Basque Department of Security, the evacuation occurred just before ten in the morning, aligning with the museum's opening time. Museum staff quickly alerted the Ertzaintza about the suspicious object, triggering the standard safety protocol. The goal was to stabilize the space, preserve any potential evidence, and keep visitors and workers out of harm's way as investigators prepared to conduct a careful inspection.
<pErtzaintza officers established a perimeter that blocked pedestrian flow, affecting not only the forecourt in front of the museum but also the surrounding streets. Eyewitnesses described a pronounced police presence, with patrols, barriers, and signals guiding people away from the area while authorities checked surveillance cameras and began collecting preliminary information.
<pOn-site inspection work continued as the Guggenheim Bilbao remained closed to the public during Semana Santa, a period when Bilbao attracts a large number of tourists. The closure aimed to minimize risk and allow detectives to carry out their procedures without interference. Passersby and nearby hotel guests observed the scene and adjusted their plans for the morning, many seeking alternative activities or routes.
<pAuthorities continued the on-site inspection and maintained the museum's closed status until investigators completed the preliminary assessment. The investigation remained active, with officials reviewing evidence and coordinating with security teams to determine whether the object posed a real threat. The situation underscored the routine but essential safety measures cities enact to protect people during major cultural events and busy travel periods.