La Gamba, Steel sculpture in Olympic Village, Barcelona, Spain.
La Gamba is a red steel sculpture shaped like a shrimp located in Barcelona's Olympic Village near the waterfront. The work stands beside the Olympic Marina on the Mediterranean coast and functions as a distinct landmark within the redesigned waterfront area.
Created by German artist Javier Mariscal in 1989, the sculpture was part of Barcelona's waterfront transformation ahead of the 1992 Olympic Games. It helped establish a new visual identity for the city's coastal development during that pivotal urban renewal period.
The work reflects Barcelona's connection to the sea through contemporary art, positioned where the waterfront meets urban development. It stands as a focal point where visitors can observe how maritime heritage and modern city design come together visually.
The sculpture sits within walking distance of the Olimpica metro station and is easily accessible throughout the day. The waterfront location offers plenty of space to view it from multiple angles without obstruction.
The work serves as both a shopping center entrance marker and a reference point visible from both land and sea, making it useful for navigation. Its dual purpose as art and practical landmark gives it a working role beyond purely aesthetic display.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
