Campos Elíseos Antzokia Theatre

Bilbao is full of architectural gems, but the Campos Elíseos Antzokia Theatre stands out from the rest. Iconic and unlike anything else in the city, this striking cultural landmark leaves a lasting impression the moment you see it.

Its stunning Art Nouveau façade, with touches of eastern influence, was the work of French-Basque architect Jean-Baptiste Darroquy. The result is so visually unique that the building has been declared a site of cultural interest. Its name actually refers to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, seen at the time as a symbol of refinement and culture — even if the architecture here is very unique to Bilbao.

Considered one of the finest Art Nouveau buildings in Spain, the Campos Elíseos Theatre was, when it opened in 1902, one of the largest private theatres in the country. After several decades of success, the building had to close in the early 1990s because it had become too old and didn’t meet safety standards anymore, and it ended up unused for nearly twenty years.

In 2010, it was fully restored and now combines its beautiful original façade with completely modern interiors, hosting year-round shows ranging from dance and comedy to music and theatre.