'Julia' Sculpture in Plaza de Colón to be Restored in 2026

The comprehensive intervention, funded by the María Cristina Masaveu Peterson Foundation, aims to restore the artwork to its original appearance after eight years outdoors.

Image of the 'Julia' sculpture in Plaza de Colón, showing signs of wear before its restoration.
IA

Image of the 'Julia' sculpture in Plaza de Colón, showing signs of wear before its restoration.

The iconic 'Julia' sculpture by Jaume Plensa, located in Madrid's Plaza de Colón, will undergo a comprehensive restoration in 2026 to address wear and tear after eight years exposed to the elements.

The Madrid City Council and the María Cristina Masaveu Peterson Foundation have reached an agreement to carry out a complete intervention on the artwork. The foundation, which owns the piece, will cover all costs of the work, to be executed by a specialized sculptural restoration company in close collaboration with the artist's studio.
Although the sculpture has received annual cleanings since its installation in 2018 and its general condition is good, continuous exposure to rain, urban pollution, and other external agents has led to dirt accumulation and small oxidation spots that require deeper treatment.
The restoration will begin with a thorough cleaning to remove pollution residues and rainwater deposits, as well as localized oxidation spots on the surface. Additionally, technicians will inspect the sculpture's internal structure, made of a stainless steel tubular system, to ensure its integrity.
The joints between the different pieces forming the sculpture's head will be sealed with silicone, a preventive measure to prevent moisture and contaminants from penetrating inside. The project also includes the consolidation, stabilization, and reintegration of detected superficial cracks to preserve the artwork's aesthetic and structural continuity.
During the work, expected to conclude by early June, the sculpture will remain in its usual location in Plaza de Colón, partially covered by scaffolding. This will allow residents of Madrid to follow the restoration process of this piece, which has become a visual landmark in one of the capital's most emblematic squares.