The city was in crisis, and it was thought that the huge funds earmarked for the construction of the museum - €133 million - could have been used for other purposes, including helping the unemployed. However, in the very first year after the facility opened, the city earned 148 million Euros more than the previous year, so the cost of construction paid for itself within twelve months.
In the following years, the city’s income steadily increased, primarily due to investments in the tourism, hotel, restaurant, and business sectors. The construction of the city’s second post-industrial icon-the conference and convention center - also contributed. This facility was built in the former docks. It refers in its form to a ship in a dry dock. The center is home to the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra.
