In what is billed as the same of the most expensive contemporary art plans ever undertaken.

In what is billed as the same of the most expensive contemporary art plans ever undertaken, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao has commissioned Richard Serra to create a football-field-size installation of his signature curving mail sculptures for its Frank Gehry-designed facility. The monumental works will be located in the 427-foot-long "Fish" gallery, which the architect intended to accommodate large-scale works. Serra's Snake, also a Guggenheim commission, has occupied the space since the museum's opening in 1997 along with a rotating selection of works from the permanent collection and with temporary exhibitions, among them a 1999 exhibit to of the artist's "Torqued Ellipses."

As part of the of the present day installation, Snake will be joined by means of seven new sculptures, including a number of "Torqued Ellipses." Designed and positioned in answer to the gallery's shape, the works will range in height from 12 to 14 feet and vary in weight from 44 to 276 tons. yet its most prominent gallery will be employed over to Serra, the museum will still be able to exhibit large works in other spaces.

The $20-million commission is to be paid for at Basque regional and local rules which cover the museum's operating richnesss and acquisitions as part of a 20-year partnership agreement with the Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation. Fabrication and installation are rely uponed to take about a year and a half, with completion scheduled for May 2005

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