A fresh wave of debate has erupted in Málaga over the installation of large-scale sculptures in the port, a decision that directly affects the city’s appearance and its relationship with cultural heritage. City authorities approved the placement of works by Ginés Serrán Pagán, but only for six months, although the original plan was to leave them for 25 years. This decision became a compromise after heated discussions and pressure from the public and professional communities.
Port Authority’s Decision
The Málaga Port Authority Board voted by majority to support the temporary installation of two large statues — a five-meter-tall Venus with the sun and a 7.5-meter Neptune with a fishing net, as well as two lions nearly two meters high. According to El País, the sculptures will remain in the port area for just six months, with no possibility of extension. This decision was made after a second round of discussions initiated by port president Carlos Rubio due to public outcry.
The artist, Ginés Serrán Pagán, said he was satisfied with the outcome, noting that residents would now be able to judge his work for themselves. However, not all board members supported the project: a UGT representative and government subdelegate Javier Salas voted against, with Salas proposing to halt the installation until opinions could be obtained from local and cultural authorities.
Criticism and Support
Several cultural organizations in Malaga, including Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País, Instituto de Estudios Urbanos y Sociales, Ateneo de Málaga, and Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Telmo, have spoken out strongly against the project. In their statements, the sculpture group was described as “pretentious” and “grandiose,” with critics also highlighting its “kitsch” character. Some compared the appearance of the statues to Marvel comic book heroes, calling them out of place for the city’s historic center.
Criticism addressed not only the aesthetics but also the chosen installation site. According to academics, the port area falls within the sphere of influence of Malaga’s historic center, which holds the status of a site of cultural interest (BIC), and any changes should be approved by the regional Ministry of Culture. However, according to advisor Patricia del Pozo, additional permission is not required.
Project background and installation details
The project was first presented in the summer of 2024, but work on it has been ongoing since 2021. Initially, there were plans to place the sculptures on columns at the port entrance, but due to their deteriorated condition and significant weight (about six tons), it was decided to build separate pedestals three meters high. The total cost amounted to €69,000, covered by the port.
The sculptor proposed a temporary exhibition as a compromise to avoid further conflict. City mayor Francisco de la Torre also backed the idea of temporary placement, noting that if the works are not liked by the public, they could be moved to another city.
Consequences and next steps
Despite the protests, most members of the port council supported the installation, although the mayor himself was absent from the meeting and was represented by deputy Carmen Casero. According to El Pais, the official dates for installation and opening have not yet been announced, but the port has promised to provide this information later.
In recent years, debates over the installation of modern sculptures in historic districts have repeatedly arisen in Spain. For example, projects in Valencia and Seville have sparked mixed reactions from residents and experts. Such decisions are usually accompanied by temporary compromises to gauge public response and avoid long-term conflicts between authorities, cultural organizations, and local residents.
