San Sebastian sculpture: where art meets the ocean

San Sebastian is not only one of the most beautiful cities in northern Spain — it is also a global reference for public art. From historic landmarks to contemporary installations, the relationship between San Sebastian and sculpture is one of the city’s strongest cultural signatures.

Its coastline, wind, rocks and light create a unique stage for monumental artworks that interact with the sea and landscape.

The most iconic sculptures in San Sebastian

1. Wind Comb (Peine del Viento) – Eduardo Chillida (1977)

The city’s most iconic sculpture. Set at the western end of Ondarreta Beach, Wind Comb XV is a powerful fusion of iron, nature and the Atlantic Ocean.

Its installation is a landmark example of sculptural engineering due to the complexity of anchoring the steel pieces directly into the rocks.

2. Empty Construction – Jorge Oteiza (1957)

Located along the Paseo Nuevo, this is one of the most important works by Oteiza and a milestone of Spanish abstract sculpture.

It represents a dialogue between void and volume, light and space.

3. Homage to Fleming – Eduardo Chillida (1951)

Installed on La Concha Promenade, this early piece already reflects the material force and sculptural philosophy Chillida would develop later in his career.

4. Sculpture in Mount Urgull – Néstor Basterretxea

A work that blends abstraction, symbolism and the dramatic natural setting of the historic hill.

5. Sculptures by Cristina Iglesias in San Sebastian

The internationally renowned Donostia-born artist has created installations that merge architecture, water and bronze.

Alfa Arte has collaborated with Cristina Iglesias on complex sculptural productions, providing technical expertise in casting, engineering and structural fabrication.

Contemporary sculpture in the city

Beyond its classics, San Sebastian incorporates contemporary works that reflect new artistic approaches:

• temporary installations for cultural events

• interventions by renowned and emerging artists

• sculptures integrated into architecture and public space

Many of these projects rely on advanced processes such as:

• artistic foundry → https://alfaarte.com/services/artistic-foundry-bronze-stainless-steel-aluminum/

• metalworking and technical structures → https://alfaarte.com/services/metalworking-and-technical-structures/

• traditional mould making → https://alfaarte.com/services/patina-painting-and-finishes/

These techniques are essential to build sculptures capable of resisting the city’s maritime climate.

Why San Sebastian is a sculpture landmark

• Exceptional natural scenery

• Strong Basque sculptural tradition

• Presence of Chillida, Oteiza, Basterretxea and Iglesias

• Cultural institutions that support public art

• Integration of art with landscape and architecture

Few cities offer such a close relationship between sculpture and environment.

Recommended sculpture routes in San Sebastian

Route 1: Chillida in the city

Wind Comb → Homage to Fleming → Visit to Chillida Leku (Hernani)

Route 2: Basque abstraction

Oteiza (Paseo Nuevo) → Basterretxea → Cultural centres

Route 3: Contemporary art

Cristina Iglesias → Kursaal installations → Temporary exhibitions

FAQ – San Sebastian Sculpture

1. What is San Sebastian’s most famous sculpture?

Wind Comb XV by Eduardo Chillida.

2. Which Basque sculptors are key to the city’s identity?

Chillida, Oteiza, Basterretxea and Cristina Iglesias.

3. Where can I see contemporary sculpture in San Sebastian?

Along the Paseo Nuevo, the Kursaal area, La Concha and in cultural centres.

4. Why is sculpture so important in the city?

Due to its artistic heritage, its landscape and its internationally renowned sculptors.

5. How are large public sculptures produced today?

Through processes such as modelling, casting, metal engineering and specialised installation — services offered by Alfa Arte.

Conclusion: San Sebastian sculpture

The San Sebastian sculpture landscape is part of the city’s cultural essence: artworks that unite nature, technique and emotion. From Chillida and Oteiza to Cristina Iglesias, San Sebastian stands as a world-class reference for public sculpture.

👉 At Alfa Arte, we collaborate with artists and architects to produce public sculptures that interact beautifully with the landscape and the community.