Homenatge al llibre, Steel sculpture at Gran Via intersection with Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona, Spain.
Description
Homenatge al llibre is a steel sculpture depicting an open book that rests on a blue semi-spherical base positioned at a major city intersection. The structure stands approximately 2.16 meters tall and is composed of stainless steel panels that give it a bright, reflective surface.
History
The sculpture was created in 1994 by artist Joan Brossa and architect Josep Pla-Narbona to honor the annual second-hand book fair held in the city. Over the following decades, it became a permanent fixture marking the intersection where the fair traditionally took place.
Culture
The monument is called Homenatge al llibre, meaning Tribute to the Book, and sits at a major intersection where locals and visitors pass daily. Its open-book form makes it immediately recognizable as a celebration of reading and literary culture.
Practical
The sculpture sits at a busy street intersection and is easily accessible by public transportation. The stainless steel construction means it remains visible and reflective even in overcast conditions, making it easy to spot when walking through the area.
Did you know?
The original design concept called for the piece to rock like a roly-poly toy, but this mechanical idea was abandoned in favor of a fixed installation. Since 1997, commemorative plaques honoring different Catalan writers are added to the base each year, creating a growing collection.
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