Malecon Boardwalk and Sculptures

Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sculptures of the MaleconEnjoy a stroll along Puerto Vallarta’s seawall prominade. During the day the boardwalk comes alive with various vendors, musicians, jugglers, and artists displaying their handicrafts, as tourists and local pedestrians enjoy the activities amid sparkling sunshine and fresh ocean air.  Twenty blocks long, this paved boardwalk follows the curve of the beach and ocean for a one-mile stretch.

Sculpture on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoFrom the north the Malecon begins at Hotel Rosita (31 Octubre Street), and runs southward ending at the Los Arcos Amphitheater at Zaragoza Street. Puerto Vallarta prides itself in its spectacular al fresco bronze sculptures that line the beach boardwalk. Take some time to explore them all. Every Tuesday from mid-November through mid-April, Galleria Pacifico sponsors a free two-hour Public Sculpture Walking Tour from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  No reservations required.  The tour starts off in front of the Millennium sculpture near the Hotel Rosita at the north end of the Puerto Vallarta Malecon.  Oftentimes, participants will have an opportunity to meet some of the sculptors of the statues erected on the one-mile boardwalk and hear them speak about their spectacular works.

Malecon Statue in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoThe Millennium by Mathis Lídice, 2001

At the north end of the Malecón, the first sculpture is “The Millennium.”   This gently curving piece represents the passage of time of time throughout the millenniums. At the bottom of the curve is a DNA double helix and dividing cell representing the beginning of life as humans evolved from the sea alongside octopus, fish, frogs, and lizards. The first millennium is represented by a sword-wielding Charlemagne, and the second millennium by Aztec poet-king Nezahualcoyotl.  Our hoped-for future is represented by the final figure, a partially-suspended woman of wisdom releasing a dove of peace, with her face and outstretched arms lift upwards to the sky.

Unicorn of Good Fortune Statue Malcon along Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoUnicornio de la Buena Fortuna by Anibal Riebeling, 2011

This newest work, “Unicorn of Good Fortune,” was erected on the Malecon in January 2011. Here a unicorn is depicted atop a large circular base.

Malecon Statue in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoLa Nostalgia by Ramiz Barquet, 1984

A little farther north is “La Nostalgia,” the silhouette of a man and woman sitting side by side, gazing out toward the city. It is with this bronze piece that sculptor Ramiz Barquet eternalized his love for wife and painter Nelly Barquet. Although when they were young the two had planned to marry, over the years they lost track of one another, married other people, each separately raising families of their own.  After 27 seven years, in a twist of fate, the lovers were reunited.  At the very spot where this sculpture rests, the two spent considerable time reminiscing about the life that they had almost had together.  When Ramiz proposed marriage to Nelly, he vowed to create a tribute to their love for the entire world to see.

Sculpture on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoNaturaleza como Madre by Tapatio Adrian Reynoso

This polymer-resin-bronze sculpture, “Nature by Mother,” is an abstract work representing the continuous cycle of life and death.  On display is a crashing wave hosting a woman’s subtle features, poised adeptly atop a spiraling snail’s shell.

Malecon Statue in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoEl Sutil Comepiedras by Jonas Gutierrez, 2006

On the Malecon, across from the Hard Rock Café, “The Subtle Rock Eater” is a 2.4-meter-high, bronze-and-obsidian sculpture that depicts a magician in melting clothing holding several stones in his right hand.  With stomach protruding, back gently arched, and mouth wide open, his left arm and hand are poised artistically above his head, preparing to drop an egg-shaped stone into his mouth.

Malecon Sculpture in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoLa Rotunda del Mar by Alejandro Colunga, 1997

“The Rotunda of the Sea” is comprised of 8 monumental high-backed bronze chairs.  Each whimsical piece features a bewitching mix of exaggerated human anatomy, nautical imagery, surrealism and fantasy. Most of this artist’s works are based upon folk stories he heard as a child.  While two gigantic human ears are perched atop one bench, others feature strange and haunting hybrid creatures. With these intriguing creations, the artist extends an unspoken invitation to all passersby to take a seat, rest for a while, and contemplate the beauty of the ocean.

Malecon Sculpture in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoEn Búsqueda de la Razón by Sergio Bustamante, 1999

This surrealistic piece, “In Search of Reason,” features two carefree children climbing high on a bronze ladder, reaching out to the sky while their mother, robed and hands outstretched, calls out to them from the sidewalk below.  While some viewers imagine that this mother is pleading with her children, asking them to come down, others believe she is encouraging them to be fearless and continue climbing to new heights.  Each figure has a puffed-out triangular head that rests upon a short, stout body.

Caballero Del Mar, Puerto Vallarta, MexicoCaballero del Mar by Rafael Zamarripa, 1976

The symbol of Puerto Vallarta, “The Seahorse,” is one of PV’s most popular and recognizable landmarks, and was the first sculpture to be erected on the Malecon. This iconic statue depicts a naked boy wearing a cowboy hat, waving his hand as he rides a giant seahorse.

Sculpture on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoTriton and the Nereid by Carlos Espino, 1990

A work focusing on classical mythology and the human form, the mythical Greek figure Triton, son of sea-god Poseidon, is depicted as having the body of a human and the tail of a fish.  Triton’s body is gracefully extended as he reaches out his left hand to a Nereid, or sea-nymph.  As the waves of the sea lift the mermaid up and slightly away from him, she gently reaches back with her right hand, wrist slightly bent, as her left arm and hand are raised up in an attempt to tame her wild and wind-swept hair.  In the Greek tradition, these mermaids are friendly to sea-farers and help them fight storms.

Sculpture on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoLa Fuente de la Amistad by James “Bud” Bottoms, 1987

Santa Barbara, California sculptor James Bottom presented “The Friendship Fountain” as a gift to the city of Puerto Vallarta.  Santa Barbara and Puerto Vallarta have been sister cities since 1972.  This modern bronze sculpture atop a circular dome-shaped fountain depicts three leaping dolphins which symbolize peace, protection, and the brotherhood that unites the two cities.  Each of the dolphins looks in a different direction, one towards the city, one towards the ocean, and another towards the sky.  This fountain is located on the Malecon near the Los Arcos Amphitheater.

Sculpture on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoBailarines de Vallarta by Jim Demetro, 2006

The sculpture “Vallarta Dancers” is of a life-sized couple in colored patinas performing the Jarabe Tapatio (Mexican Hat Dance).  After viewing a performance of Puerto Vallarta’s famous Xiutla dance troupe, the artist was inspired to create a sculpture in honor of this national dance of Mexico.  The engraved plaque accompanying this work reads:  “ The inspiration for the sculpture is the youthful energy, flowing movement, and colorful costumes of the talented Xiutla dancers and their instructor and choreographer Prof. Enrique Barrios Limon.”

Sculpture on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoEriza-Dos by Blu (Maritza Vasquez), 2007

“Standing on End” are a pair of oxidized steel sculptures located near the beginning of the new Malecon extension.   The two spiky structures resemble giant sea urchins.

Sculpture on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoSan Pascual Bailon by Ramiz Barquet, 2008

In front of the Vitea Bistro Bar and Café, a statue is erected of a 16th century Spanish Franciscan friar. Saint Paschal Baylon is the present-day patron saint of cooks.  This sculpture was created to honor the chefs of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and to also pay homage to all chefs worldwide.  Along the walkway there are several plaques recognizing the culinary skills and contributions of the many outstanding chefs of Puerto Vallarta.