10 Sculptures You Need To Take A Selfie With in Barcelona

Barcelona is arguably Spain's capital city of art. Not only is it the home of legendary artists, but it also houses some of the most exciting museums to visit in all of Catalonia, possibly even all of Spain. Not to mention the public works of art that decorate the already beautiful city. The reason why people come to Barcelona for the art is because many of them are already out on the streets. And here are some that you simply have to take a selfie with!

 

Raval Cat 

You'll never see a cat like this anywhere else! Colombian artist Fernando Botero's "Raval Cat" has long charmed locals and tourists alike in Barcelona. Named after the Barcelonian district on where it stands, there’s something so adorable about this enlarged bronze feline. It's probably because of his animated features. Or his hilariously round shape. Or maybe that it reminds people of Garfield. Whichever it is, countless tourists⁠—and even a few residents⁠—have taken selfies with this cat. One would think, since it boasts a dark finish, that people, particularly kids, will find it eerie. But it really isn't. It's completely adorable! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

The Thinker Bull 

Everybody knows that Rodin's 'The Thinker' is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. There's just something so entrancing about a concrete silhouette of a thinking position. But what about when a bull does it? Well, it makes it funnier and perfect for a selfie. 'The Thinker Bull,' or 'El Brau Pensador,' is one of the many funny statues one can see in Barcelona. Created by Josep Granayer I Giralt, the comical work of art stands (or rather, "sits") proudly at the end of Rambla de Catalunya. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

The Flirty Giraffe

Now if you think 'The Thinker Bull' is actually thinking, you might want to take a closer look. In actuality, many people believe the "bull" is actually flirting. And no, it's not necessarily flirting with the people passing by (although your selfie can make it look that way). It's actually flirting with a sculpture of a giraffe on the opposite end of Rambla de Catalunya. Lying down seductively and reaching its hoof out as if to call him, its an even funnier sculpture to capture than the 'bull.' 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

The Jumping Deer

Nestled in the heart of Ciutadadela Park, there's a sculpture of jumping dear that's simply enchanting. With their graceful forms and stern expressions, there's something so emotional about them. You can't help but feel some sort of way, even when you're taking a selfie with them. Not a lot of people know this but the sculpture is actually a monument to Walt Disney. That raw emotion you get by seeing 'The Jumping Deer' is probably the same that you get when you watch some of his most memorable classic films

Matches

What's so special about matches? Ordinarily, nothing much! However, the sculpture of "Matches" in Barcelona's Mundet district bursts with lively color and energetic form. While most of the sculptures on this list subscribe to classic disciplines of art, this particular piece adheres to pop art. The statue was inaugurated back in 1992 when the city hosted the Olympic Games that year.  It stands well within the community where the world's athletes resided at that time. Now, it's to remind visitors, as well as locals, of that historic event almost twenty years ago. And definitely a must-see Instagrammable spot! 

 

Gambrinus 

Ever seen a happy lobster? Such creatures aren't usually the sights of joy, are they? But when you visit Barcelona, you'll find the happiest and biggest lobster statue you'll probably ever get to see. And because of its strategic angle, it's easy to take a selfie with it. Lying happily by the edge of Passeig de Colom, Javier Marisca's 'Gambrinus' makes old and young people smile. Its pleasant smiley face will just melt your heart. So much so that even those afraid of crustaceans will probably like this particular lobster too. Visiting him is probably one of the most unique things you can do in Barcelona too! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Golden Fish

It's important to note, again, that just because not all sculptures in Barcelona subscribes to the classic standards of art. Some may appear avant-garde and may even take on a more architectural form. As does Frank O. Gehry’s 'Golden Fish.' Situated near Barcelona beach, the stunning piece overlooks the seaside goers and takes on a decidedly modern silhouette. You can't see the "fish," per se, but its beautiful silhouette suggests that of the golden creature. It's one of the finest public works of art in the entire city. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Dona I Ocell 

Speaking of abstract art, the Dona I Ocell sculpture by the Las Arenas Shopping Centre is also worth taking a selfie with. Translated into English as "Woman and Bird," the avant-garde piece resembles that of the beautiful winged creature. But perhaps what's most striking about this stature is how it's colored. Stark shades of indigo, crimson, and yellow render this striking 22-meter monument. Its differences in hues almost evoked the strong emotion the artist, Joan Miró, expressed while creating it. No wonder it has become one of the most famous public art pieces in all of Barcelona.  

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Cobi

If you don't know nor remember Cobi, this adorable critter was the mascot of the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. The cat-like creature captivated fans with its cartoonish smile yet simple form. Now, that same kitty lives on as a sculpture by the Port Olympic Park just outside the Olympic Village. Though it's not as popular as the 'Raval Cat,' it is a beautifully adorable rendition of the famous feline. And Olympic historians agree that Cobi was one of the most adorable Olympic mascots in the games' centuries-old history. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Barcelona’s Face

Yup, Barcelona has a face! And it stands proudly at the end of Passeig Colom. One of the many artworks commissioned for the 1992 Olympic Games, the American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein crafted this abstract, especially for the Catalan city. It's the use of pop art, bright tones, and slightly avant-garde silhouettes that make it a striking fixture in a city full of historic pieces of art. Depicting the face of a beautiful woman, Lichtensteinmade use of all sorts of techniques and textures to come up with this one-of-a-kind face. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Up for a selfie in Barcelona? Don't just do the standard tourist spots. Find some of these amazing public works of art and show your family and friends (and followers) what Barcelona's art scene is really about!