Jeddah sculptures serve as artistic heritage amidst urban transformation

The public squares of Jeddah feature a collection of plastic art works that have become integral to the city's urban landscape. These sculptures, ranging from daily life inspirations to abstract compositions, were designed by various international artists and architects, creating an open-air gallery that reflects the history of fine arts in the region.

Notable landmarks include the ‘Bicycle’ sculpture by Spanish architect Julio Lavonte and the ‘Sword’ sculpture designed by Belgian artist Hubert Minnebo in 1982. As the city undergoes infrastructure improvements, the Jeddah Municipality has committed to preserving these landmarks. For instance, the development of the Prince Sultan Road and Heraa Street intersection is planned to maintain the ‘History’ sculpture in its original location.

To promote community awareness, the Jeddah Municipality launched the ‘Bride of the Red Sea’ initiative in April 2026. This project includes a photographic exhibition and a dedicated webpage documenting the names, artistic meanings, designers, and locations of these sculptures to preserve the city's artistic legacy.