Officials took inspiration from the economic transformation of the Spanish industrial city of Bilbao,[6] which was caused, in part, by the construction of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao satellite (dubbed the "Bilbao effect", though some cautioned that the comparison is limited due to the much smaller population of Lens, and its lack of other tourist attractions.[7]) Some Lens locals were critical of the project; they felt that the project to bring culture to their city was "patronizing".[3] Other critics pointed out that the museum makes no attempt to address Lens's turbulent history or its current economic difficulties.[4]