Sculpture to the Tonetti brothers

The Tonetti Brothers Monument is a small sculpture in Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park in Bilbao, dedicated to two beloved clowns who entertained generations of Basque children.

Who were the Tonetti Brothers?

The Tonetti Brothers were a clown duo who became some of Spain's most recognized circus performers in the second half of the 20th century. José Villa del Río (1920–2004), known professionally as Tonetti, was drawn to circus life from childhood. Together with his brother Manuel (1928–1982), he formed a comic double act that toured arenas across the country. In 1955 the brothers founded their own traveling circus, Radio Circo, which later grew into the well-known Circo Atlas. For decades their shows were a fixture of festivals and celebrations in Bilbao and the wider Biscay region, and their name became shorthand for laughter and fun for local children.

What does the sculpture show?

The monument depicts one of the brothers, José Villa del Río, in his signature clown pose. It was created by Juan Luis de Larrinaga (Bilbao, 1923–2006), a sculptor known for his public art around the city. The piece dates from 1985 and stands right next to the park's children's playground — a fitting spot, given that the duo's performances were aimed squarely at young audiences. The pedestal carries an inscription reading "From the children, to our clowns, the Tonetti Brothers," a token of the city's lasting gratitude.

How do you get there?

The sculpture stands in Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park, one of Bilbao's best-known green spaces, next to the Museum of Fine Arts and close to the San Mamés stadium. The park is an easy walk from the city center, and several tram and bus stops serve the surrounding streets. Look for the sculpture in the section of the park set aside for younger visitors, near the playground — that's the clearest landmark for finding it.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Doña Casilda Park is one of Bilbao's green showpieces, with fountains, a pond with swans, and plenty of paths for a relaxed stroll. A visit to the Tonetti Brothers monument pairs naturally with a longer walk through the rest of the park, and it's worth stepping into the neighboring Museum of Fine Arts, one of the region's leading cultural venues. The park is especially popular with families, for whom the clown statue is a natural point of interest.

When should you visit?

The park and the sculpture are open year-round, though spring and summer show off the greenery at its best. It's also worth timing a visit around Aste Nagusia, Bilbao's Great Week celebration held in August — the city's circus and clown tradition has long been tied to that period of festivities.

Frequently asked questions

Who created the Tonetti Brothers monument? The sculpture was made by Juan Luis de Larrinaga, a Bilbao-born artist (1923–2006), and unveiled in 1985.

Where exactly is the monument located? In Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park in Bilbao, near the children's playground area.

Who were the Tonetti Brothers? A Spanish circus clown duo — José Villa del Río and his brother Manuel — popular in the second half of the 20th century and founders of the Radio Circo, later renamed Circo Atlas.

Is there an entrance fee for the park or the monument? No, the park is open to the public free of charge, and the sculpture can be viewed at any time.