Barcelona is preparing to celebrate two of the 20th century’s most iconic voices with a striking new public sculpture dedicated to Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé.
The city council has launched a search for a “consolidated” artist to design and create the work, paying tribute to the legendary duet that united rock and opera on the global stage.
The sculpture will commemorate Mercury and Caballé’s unforgettable 1987 recording of “Barcelona,” which became the official anthem of the 1992 Olympic Games. Their collaboration, blending Queen’s frontman’s powerful rock delivery with the Catalan soprano’s soaring classical voice, remains one of the most memorable moments in modern music history and a symbol of Barcelona’s cultural dynamism.
Although the exact location has not yet been finalized, Mayor Jaume Collboni has indicated that the piece could be installed in the newly renovated Plaça de les Glòries, transforming the square into a vibrant cultural landmark. The project forms part of the city’s ambitious Municipal Program for the Impulse of Public Art 2026-2027, which aims to turn Barcelona’s streets and squares into an open-air museum.
The selection process will be handled through a closed contest organized by the Public Art Council (CAP). Three established artists will be invited to submit proposals, each receiving €4,500 for their work. The chosen artist will then be awarded an additional €25,000 to produce the final sculpture. The entire program includes six new pieces: three by renowned creators, including tributes to urban planner Ildefons Cerdà and to entrepreneurship, and three open competitions for emerging talent. The total budget for the initiative stands at €1.5 million.
Culture Councilor Xavier Marcé described the program as a way to enrich the city’s public spaces with meaningful art. Once completed, the Mercury-Caballé sculpture is expected to become a popular destination for both locals and visitors, offering a permanent reminder of the magic that happens when diverse artistic worlds collide.