Edificio de la Sociedad Bilbaina, Cultural club building in central Bilbao, Spain
The Edificio de la Sociedad Bilbaina is a social club building in downtown Bilbao with eclectic architectural design. The facade features symmetrical composition, large round arches, glasswork, and substantial marble columns framing the entrances.
The complex was designed by architect Emiliano Amann Amann and opened in 1913 as the organization's second location. The Sociedad Bilbaina itself was founded in 1839 and later sought a building that reflected its members' prosperity.
The Sociedad Bilbaina was founded in 1839 and first met on the Plaza Nueva before moving to this Abando building in 1913. Members still use the original billiard tables, the double-height library with its upper gallery, and the reading rooms around the main staircase.
The building is easy to spot from outside and sits in a central area that is walkable to reach. Visitors should know that only members have access to the interior spaces, but the exterior facade can be admired from the street.
The library occupies a double-height space with an upper gallery, and its book collection has been kept since the building opened. The original billiard tables also remain in the games rooms, alongside furniture and artworks made for the rooms they occupy.
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