Monumento a los Migrantes

Monumento a los Migrantes, in Málaga, is a compact but meaningful sculpture standing on the Terraza del Muelle Uno, the viewing terrace along the Muelle Uno waterfront promenade. Also known as "Los Migrantes," it pays tribute to people who left Málaga to build a life abroad, as well as those who arrived in the city from elsewhere.

What does the sculpture depict?

The work was created by Andrés Montesanto, an Argentine artist born in Buenos Aires in 1948 whose art frequently explores themes of migration and displacement. The piece is made of white concrete with tinted sections. It stands 3.25 meters tall overall, while the figurative form itself measures 2.40 x 1.75 x 0.40 meters.

What do the inscriptions mean?

Two words appear on the lateral faces of the sculpture: "EMIGRADOS" (those who emigrated) and "INMIGRANTES" (immigrants). This simple contrast captures the dual nature of Málaga's migration history — a city that has long been both a departure point for locals seeking opportunity abroad and a destination for newcomers arriving from other countries. The artist's signature, "Montesanto," is inscribed on one side of the piece.

Where is it located and when was it built?

The monument stands on the Terraza del Muelle Uno, part of the Muelle Uno harbor promenade, one of the most popular leisure and shopping areas in central Málaga, close to the old port and the city's historic quarter. It was unveiled on December 21, 2013, on the initiative of the city council, as a gesture of recognition toward immigrants living in the Costa del Sol capital.

Is the monument still used for events?

Yes. The site continues to host commemorative activities related to migration, including a floral tribute ceremony held every year on December 18, International Migrants Day. These events typically bring together local officials and organizations that support immigrant communities.

How do you get there?

Muelle Uno is a waterfront promenade running along the harbor in Málaga, right next to the city center. Most visitors reach it on foot — it's only a short, easy walk of around fifteen minutes from the cathedral or the Alcazaba along the seafront. The area is lined with restaurants, cafés, and shops, making it easy to combine a visit to the monument with a stroll along the harbor promenade, especially in the evening.

Frequently asked questions

Who created the Monumento a los Migrantes? The sculpture was designed by Argentine artist Andrés Montesanto, born in Buenos Aires in 1948, known for his works addressing migration.

When was the monument unveiled? It was officially unveiled on December 21, 2013, on the Terraza del Muelle Uno in Málaga.

What material is the sculpture made of? It is made of white concrete with tinted sections, standing 3.25 meters tall in total.

What do the inscriptions on the monument represent? The words "EMIGRADOS" and "INMIGRANTES" on either side of the sculpture represent the two sides of Málaga's migration story — residents who emigrated abroad and immigrants who settled in the city.