The most curious animal sculptures in Barcelona
Culture 04/06/2025
Barcelona is not only known for its modernist architecture and iconic monuments, but also for its striking and often unexpected public art. Among the many sculptures that adorn its streets, the animal figures are particularly unusual and eye-catching. Some of these charming pieces, such as Botero's Cat and the Sea Prawn, are not only popular but have also become symbols of the city, ideal for photographing and being remembered as other symbols of our city.
THE MOST OUTSTANDING ANIMAL SCULPTURES
Botero's Cat: the endearing guardian of the Raval
Imposing, with its rounded shape and friendly expression, Botero's Cat is already a classic of the Raval neighborhood. The work of Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero, this bronze cat measures more than 7 meters long and weighs nearly two tons. It arrived in Barcelona in the 1980s, and after several moves—from the Parc de la Ciutadella to the Olympic Stadium—it finally found its permanent home on the Rambla del Raval. Its serene, plump presence does not go unnoticed: it invites passersby to stop and admire its peculiar shape, children climb it, tourists photograph it, and locals consider it almost a symbol of the neighborhood. It is a figure that invites smiles and play, and it embodies the welcoming and diverse spirit that characterizes Barcelona.
La Gamba del Puerto: pop irony with a Mediterranean flavor
Designed by Javier Mariscal in 1992 as part of the redesign of the waterfront for the Olympic Games, the Gamba del Puerto (or "the happy prawn") is one of Port Vell's most sympathetic icons. Standing 7 meters tall and sporting that cheeky smile, this fiberglass sculpture combines art, humor, and a good dose of Mediterranean spirit. Although it was originally a restaurant mascot, the City Council decided to preserve it as part of the urban landscape. Today, it's one of the most photographed features of the promenade, a perfect symbol of Barcelona's creativity, representing the city's important fishing tradition. It's an excellent example of public art blending with the daily lives of Barcelona residents.
The Flirty Giraffe: urban elegance
Located near the zoo and Ciutadella Park, the Coquettish Giraffe is a sculpture that surprises with its stylization and its dramatically theatrical air. Designed by Josep Granyer in the 1970s, it is considered an elegant satire of sculptural classicism. Its extremely long neck and the way it turns its head, as if posing for a photo or looking sideways, have earned it its nickname. It is a figure that blends art, irony, and grace, lending a surreal and sophisticated touch to the Diagonal avenue.
The Thinking Bull: strength and reflection on the Diagonal
![]()
Although not as well-known as other monuments, this sculpture displays great expressiveness. Also the work of Josep Granyer, it depicts a bull in a reflective attitude, merging the figure of an animal with profound philosophical symbolism. Sitting on its hind legs, with a serene expression and a gaze lost in the horizon, the Thinking Bull represents the most introspective face of strength. It is located directly opposite the Coquettish Giraffe, creating a curious "sculptural dialogue" between the two animals. This contrast between the elegance of the giraffe and the meditative muscles of the bull has fascinated generations of passersby and is a hidden gem right on Diagonal.
Els Mistos: art and fire in a monumental key
![]()
This sculpture is shaped like a pair of giant matches, and while it's not an animal per se, the design, which evokes fire and fuel, indirectly references the nature of transformation, representing the vitality of animals in their cycle. The Mistos figure—a giant matchbox scattered with matches—includes one anthropomorphic shape reminiscent of a giant insect. This pop sculpture, created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, is located in Parc de la Vall d'Hebron and symbolizes the power of fire as a transformative element. Its color, its enormous size, and its unexpected location make it one of those hidden gems that surprise those who venture beyond the city center.
Barcelona is a city that celebrates art in all its forms, and its animal sculptures in particular are a testament to this. Whether it's a gigantic cat, a shrimp, or a flirtatious giraffe, each of these works adds a unique touch to the city and is a great way to explore Barcelona's most curious and fascinating side. Don't miss the chance to see them on your next visit.
THE MOST OUTSTANDING ANIMAL SCULPTURES
Botero's Cat: the endearing guardian of the Raval
Imposing, with its rounded shape and friendly expression, Botero's Cat is already a classic of the Raval neighborhood. The work of Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero, this bronze cat measures more than 7 meters long and weighs nearly two tons. It arrived in Barcelona in the 1980s, and after several moves—from the Parc de la Ciutadella to the Olympic Stadium—it finally found its permanent home on the Rambla del Raval. Its serene, plump presence does not go unnoticed: it invites passersby to stop and admire its peculiar shape, children climb it, tourists photograph it, and locals consider it almost a symbol of the neighborhood. It is a figure that invites smiles and play, and it embodies the welcoming and diverse spirit that characterizes Barcelona.
La Gamba del Puerto: pop irony with a Mediterranean flavor
Designed by Javier Mariscal in 1992 as part of the redesign of the waterfront for the Olympic Games, the Gamba del Puerto (or "the happy prawn") is one of Port Vell's most sympathetic icons. Standing 7 meters tall and sporting that cheeky smile, this fiberglass sculpture combines art, humor, and a good dose of Mediterranean spirit. Although it was originally a restaurant mascot, the City Council decided to preserve it as part of the urban landscape. Today, it's one of the most photographed features of the promenade, a perfect symbol of Barcelona's creativity, representing the city's important fishing tradition. It's an excellent example of public art blending with the daily lives of Barcelona residents.
The Flirty Giraffe: urban elegance
Located near the zoo and Ciutadella Park, the Coquettish Giraffe is a sculpture that surprises with its stylization and its dramatically theatrical air. Designed by Josep Granyer in the 1970s, it is considered an elegant satire of sculptural classicism. Its extremely long neck and the way it turns its head, as if posing for a photo or looking sideways, have earned it its nickname. It is a figure that blends art, irony, and grace, lending a surreal and sophisticated touch to the Diagonal avenue.
The Thinking Bull: strength and reflection on the Diagonal
Although not as well-known as other monuments, this sculpture displays great expressiveness. Also the work of Josep Granyer, it depicts a bull in a reflective attitude, merging the figure of an animal with profound philosophical symbolism. Sitting on its hind legs, with a serene expression and a gaze lost in the horizon, the Thinking Bull represents the most introspective face of strength. It is located directly opposite the Coquettish Giraffe, creating a curious "sculptural dialogue" between the two animals. This contrast between the elegance of the giraffe and the meditative muscles of the bull has fascinated generations of passersby and is a hidden gem right on Diagonal.
Els Mistos: art and fire in a monumental key
This sculpture is shaped like a pair of giant matches, and while it's not an animal per se, the design, which evokes fire and fuel, indirectly references the nature of transformation, representing the vitality of animals in their cycle. The Mistos figure—a giant matchbox scattered with matches—includes one anthropomorphic shape reminiscent of a giant insect. This pop sculpture, created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, is located in Parc de la Vall d'Hebron and symbolizes the power of fire as a transformative element. Its color, its enormous size, and its unexpected location make it one of those hidden gems that surprise those who venture beyond the city center.
Barcelona is a city that celebrates art in all its forms, and its animal sculptures in particular are a testament to this. Whether it's a gigantic cat, a shrimp, or a flirtatious giraffe, each of these works adds a unique touch to the city and is a great way to explore Barcelona's most curious and fascinating side. Don't miss the chance to see them on your next visit.
