Abra Solar

Abra Solar is a kinetic sculpture standing about 42 meters tall in Plaza Venezuela, made of steel and aluminum. It features 33 rotating aluminum blades arranged in a spiral formation that turn with the wind.

The sculpture was created by Venezuelan artist Alejandro Otero and first appeared at the 1982 Venice Biennale. It was installed in Plaza Venezuela the following year in 1983.

The sculpture represents how art and wind work together to create constant motion. Visitors can watch the blades spin at different speeds depending on the breeze, casting ever-changing shadows across the plaza.

The monument was completely restored in 2007 with new blade components and LED lighting for nighttime viewing. You can find it easily at Plaza Venezuela, which is centrally located and accessible.

The 33 components of the sculpture are often called butterflies because their shape resembles spread wings. This name comes from local art circles and has stuck around as part of the city's artistic identity.