Bilbao effect

English

Etymology

Named after the Spanish city Bilbao, where the opening of the Guggenheim Museum in 1997 was part of a revitalization effort which transformed the city into a popular tourist destination. Often attributed to the English writer Jonathan Meades.

Noun

Bilbao effect (plural Bilbao effects)

1. (urban studies) The potential of iconic architecture (starchitecture) to act as a catalyst for the economic revitalization of a city of region.
   • 2010, Don Thompson, The $12 Million Stuffed Shark, Aurum Press Limited, →ISBN:

     Abu Dhabi's leader talk of using the museum to ‘brand’ the city, of duplicating the ‘Bilbao Effect’.

   • 2015 April 30, Chris Michael, “The Bilbao Effect: is 'starchitecture' all it’s cracked up to be? A history of cities in 50 buildings, day 27”, in The Guardian‎^[1], →ISSN:

     Does the Guggenheim actually encourage creativity in the city, as advertised, or is it a Disneylandish castle on the hill with a fancy name and an expensive entrance fee for tourists and the well-heeled? Is the Bilbao effect to spread culture, or just to spread money?