Frank Gehry’s El Peix Barcelona
Frank Gehry's shimmering golden fish sculpture, an iconic modern landmark by Barcelona's Mediterranean coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Frank Gehry’s El Peix Barcelona
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Frank Gehry's shimmering golden fish sculpture, an iconic modern landmark by Barcelona's Mediterranean coast.
"A dazzling golden fish sculpture that's a must-see for its modern art and seaside charm."
🎒 Secure Your Belongings
Use purse locks and keep bags in front of you to deter pickpockets.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Essential for popular attractions to avoid sell-outs and secure your preferred time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
El Peix (The Fish)
Port Olímpic
Frank Gehry's iconic golden fish sculpture, a shimmering landmark by the sea. A must-see for modern art lovers.
Port Olímpic Promenade
Adjacent to El Peix
Stroll along the vibrant waterfront, enjoying sea breezes and views of the Mediterranean. Perfect for evening walks.
Barceloneta Beach Views
Near Port Olímpic
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Barceloneta beach, just a stone's throw from the fish sculpture. Great for people-watching.
Planning Your Visit
Barcelona Safety First
Book Ahead for Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Secure Your Belongings
Use purse locks and keep bags in front of you to deter pickpockets.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Essential for popular attractions to avoid sell-outs and secure your preferred time.
🚶♀️ Evening Strolls
The waterfront promenade is beautiful for a relaxing walk after sunset.
📸 Capture the Shine
The golden scales of El Peix look stunning in the morning and evening light.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Secure Your Belongings
Use purse locks and keep bags in front of you to deter pickpockets.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Essential for popular attractions to avoid sell-outs and secure your preferred time.
🚶♀️ Evening Strolls
The waterfront promenade is beautiful for a relaxing walk after sunset.
📸 Capture the Shine
The golden scales of El Peix look stunning in the morning and evening light.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love the striking visual appeal of Frank Gehry's El Peix sculpture, especially its shimmering golden scales and waterfront location. It's a popular spot for photos and a pleasant area to stroll along the promenade. Some find the surrounding area can get quite busy, and like many parts of Barcelona, awareness of pickpockets is advised.
"The famous "Fish" sculpture in Barcelona, officially called Peix (Fish) in Catalan, is designed by architect Frank Gehry (the same guy who designed famous Guggenheim musem in Bilbao).
Designed in 1992, the Fish was part of Barcelona's transformation for the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Gehry envisioned a monument that embodied the city's maritime character and its transformation.
The Fish sculpture is a massive structure, stretching 56 meters long and reaching a height of 35 meters.
It's built with intertwining gilded stainless steel strips, supported by a sturdy metal framework.
The clever use of curved and angled stainless steel creates the illusion of fish scales when sunlight reflects off the surface. This effect changes depending on the light's intensity, adding a dynamic element to the sculpture.
The Fish is strategically placed at the foot of the Hotel Arts, overlooking the Olympic Marina and Barcelona's beaches. The Peix has become a symbolic landmark of post-Olympic Barcelona, representing the city's transformation and its connection to the Mediterranean Sea."
Zoran Jovanovic
"For the Olympic Games held in Barcelona in 1992, the city commissioned the Canadian architect Frank Gehry to design a sculpture on the Olympic Walk along Barcelona beach. Gehry came with a colossal metal-netted whale that covers many restaurants and connects the upper-end, steel-and-glass Arts Hotel (shown in the photos right behind the sculpture) and Barcelona Casino to the Sea."
Miassar Miski
"Initially planned on visiting in the morning, but t seeing it at night with cool breeze from the ocean was a wonderful experience. It kind of made me miss my sister. She’s the one who taught me how to see beauty around me."
Emmanuel Malasaga
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Peix is located in Port Olímpic. You can easily reach it by taking the metro to Ciutadella Vila Olímpica (L4) or by bus. Many visitors also enjoy walking along the beachfront from Barceloneta.
Yes, El Peix is situated near Barceloneta Beach and the Olympic Village area, making it a convenient stop while exploring the waterfront.
Barcelona has an excellent public transport system, including metro and buses. Walking is also a great way to see the city, especially along the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Frank Gehry's El Peix is an outdoor sculpture located in a public area, so there are no tickets required to view it.
Port Olímpic is a public area and is accessible at all times. However, surrounding restaurants and businesses will have their own operating hours.
Access to Barceloneta Beach and the promenade is free of charge.
📸 📸 Photography
The sculpture's golden scales are particularly striking during the 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon/early evening. The reflection on the water can also be beautiful.
Absolutely! The sculpture itself, the surrounding marina, Barceloneta Beach, and the modern architecture of Port Olímpic offer diverse photographic subjects.
Drone regulations in Barcelona can be strict. It's advisable to check current local laws and restrictions before flying a drone in public areas.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding El Peix: A Modern Icon
+1Visitors often marvel at how the sculpture seems to change appearance depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun. It's not just a static piece of art; it's a living element that interacts with its environment. The sheer scale and vibrant golden hue make it an unmissable sight for anyone exploring Barcelona's coastline. Many find it to be a refreshing contrast to the city's more historic architecture, offering a glimpse into modern artistic expression.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, El Peix symbolizes the revitalization and modernization of Barcelona that occurred around the Olympic Games. It represents the city's embrace of innovation and its connection to the sea. Taking a moment to appreciate its form and its setting can be a highlight of any visit to the Port Olímpic area.
Navigating Barcelona's Waterfront
Adjacent to the port is Barceloneta Beach, one of Barcelona's most famous urban beaches. It's a bustling hub of activity, especially during warmer months, with people sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying various water sports. The long promenade stretching along the beach is perfect for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or simply people-watching. You'll find numerous chiringuitos (beach bars) offering refreshments and snacks.
When exploring this area, it's important to be mindful of your belongings, as it can be crowded. However, the vibrant energy and scenic beauty make it a worthwhile part of any Barcelona itinerary. The combination of modern art, seaside relaxation, and urban buzz creates a unique and enjoyable experience.
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