The 5 Most Emblematic Sculptures of Puerto Vallarta

The natural beauties of our destination have been a source of inspiration for different artists, who through different materials, have been able to transform their ideas and feelings in magnificent artworks. Even though there are a lot of art manifestations that emerge day by day in Puerto Vallarta, sculptures are a landmark in this corner of the Mexican Pacific Coast.

Here, we present interesting and historic facts about some of the most remarkable artwork of the city.

Ballena Vallarta (also known as “La Ballena y su Cría”)
Located at the entrance of Marina Vallarta and inaugurated in 2001, this magnificent 42.6 ft long by 29.5 ft tall sculpture, is probably one of the biggest of Puerto Vallarta. The author is Octavio González Gutiérrez, who created this sculpture as a tribute to women, especially mothers, to whom he considers the fundamental stone of society and family.

El Milenio
Inaugurated in 2001 and located at the beginning of the Malecon, this sculpture created by Félix Fernando Baños López (aka Mathis Lidice) commemorates the new millennium through the evolution of the human being. Among its featuring elements the sea waves stand out, where life began, followed by maritime creatures, the DNA chain and well known historical characters.

Nostalgia
Created by Ramiz Barquet and inaugurated in 1984, this was the second sculpture installed on the Malecon. This piece is based on the love story of its author, revealing that, despite the time and distance, this feeling can last and give second chances. The inspiration began after Barquet’s re-encounter with Nelly Galván, his girlfriend of youth and second marriage, with who he lived his last 38 years.

Tritón y Sirena
The inauguration of this sculpture of Carlos Espino was in 1990 on the Malecon. It showcases two of the most popular creatures of Greek mythology: the son of the sea gods, Poseidon and Anfítrite, who tries to reach a sea nymph. This sculpture is also known as “Tritón y Nereida”.

El Niño sobre el Caballo de Mar
Probably the most iconic of the Malecon sculptures, Rafael Zamarripa Castañeda’s work was the first located in Puerto Vallarta’s downtown in 1960. An interesting fact is that during a storm, this artwork was washed away by the sea. Later it was replicated on a bigger scale by the same artist and located right in the middle of the Malecon in 1976. Years later, the original statue was recovered and is currently located at the end of Playa Los Muertos.