Hand

The Hand (La Mano) by Fernando Botero is one of Madrid's best-known open-air sculptures, standing on the Paseo de la Castellana, the city's principal boulevard.

What will you see there?

The bronze sculpture depicts an upright human hand, cast from roughly 500 kilograms of bronze by the Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Botero's signature style — rounded, inflated forms that give heavy material an almost weightless look — is instantly recognizable in the piece. The hand rests on a plain, cube-shaped concrete pedestal and stands about as tall as an adult visitor. Its surface was left unpainted on purpose, giving it a dark, matte patina that has held up well through decades of outdoor exposure.

Where exactly is it?

The sculpture stands at Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz, right where Paseo de la Castellana meets Calle Vitruvio. It occupies the grassy median that splits the avenue, directly in front of a fountain and only a short walk from the National Museum of Natural Sciences (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales).

How do you get there?

Paseo de la Castellana is Madrid's main north-south artery, so reaching the sculpture is straightforward — it's an easy walk along the avenue from the surrounding Chamberí district. Because it sits outdoors on public ground, there's no ticket, no opening hours, and nothing to book in advance; you can walk right up to it at any time of day.

A bit of history

The Hand arrived in Madrid in 1994 as part of a larger Botero exhibition first shown nearby on the Paseo de Recoletos. Telefónica bought the piece that October for 70 million pesetas (about €420,000) and, in April 1995, arranged for it to go on permanent public display on the Castellana in cooperation with Madrid's city council. Ownership technically still rests with Telefónica — unlike Botero's other Madrid sculpture, "Woman with a Mirror" in the Chamberí district, which the artist donated outright to the city.

When should you visit?

Since it's an outdoor piece open year-round, timing comes down to light rather than opening hours. Daytime visits let you appreciate the texture and patina of the bronze, while an evening stroll along the illuminated Castellana gives the sculpture a different, moodier backdrop for photos. Pair the visit with a stop at the nearby natural history museum, or keep walking north toward the Nuevos Ministerios business district, where the avenue takes on a more modern character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who created the sculpture? Colombian artist Fernando Botero, known worldwide for his rounded, oversized figures.

What is it made of, and how much does it weigh? Bronze, with a matte, unpainted finish. It weighs around 500 kilograms.

Is there an entrance fee? No. It stands in public space on Paseo de la Castellana and can be viewed free of charge at any time, with no set hours.

Is there anything else worth seeing nearby? Yes — the National Museum of Natural Sciences is a short walk away, and the Castellana avenue itself hosts several other outdoor sculptures alongside the modern architecture of Madrid's business district.