Guanajuato, Gto. The Sculpture Walk, one of the most iconic initiatives of the Iconographic Museum of the Quixote (MIQ), celebrates 14 years of transforming the historic center of Guanajuato Capital into a space where art and literature come together. Since 2011, nine sculptures inspired by Don Quixote de la Mancha have adorned the streets and alleys of this city, reinforcing its identity as the Cervantine Capital of the Americas.
This project, born with the goal of bringing art closer to society, invites locals and tourists to discover the artworks that grace the heart of the city. The journey begins at Plaza del Quijote, located behind the San Diego Temple, and extends to Campanero, passing by the iconic Teatro Juárez. Each sculpture tells a unique story, and through the “CaminARTE Guanajuato” campaign, visitors can learn more about their significance via QR codes, videos, and animations.
Among the standout pieces are works by renowned Mexican and Spanish artists such as Leonardo Nierman, José Sacal, Federico Canessi, Víctor Gutiérrez, and José Luis Cuevas. One of the most emblematic sculptures is the “Cenotaph to Don Quixote” by Lorenzo Rafael, popularly known as “The Tomb of Quixote.” This bronze piece includes an inscription that has captivated Guanajuato residents: “At the base of this sculpture, though not as a burial site, lies the Guanajuato Edition of Don Quixote de la Mancha. Whoever claims that Don Quixote is buried in this land will never lie.”
Another iconic work is “Dulcinea: The Guanajuato Giantess”, a towering piece by José Luis Cuevas that stands in front of the Jardín de la Unión, next to the Teatro Juárez. At four meters tall, this sculpture is a scaled replica of the original, which is housed in the José Luis Cuevas Museum in Mexico City, and has become a symbol of protection and pride for the city.
The Sculpture Walk has not only enriched the urban landscape but has also strengthened Guanajuato’s cultural identity, recognized by UNESCO in 2005 as the Cervantine Capital of the Americas. The MIQ, alongside the International Cervantine Colloquium and the Cervantino International Festival, has positioned the city as a global reference for the dissemination of Miguel de Cervantes’ work.
In addition to its outdoor collection, the MIQ safeguards nearly a thousand pieces in its Sculpture Courtyard, making it the museum with the largest and most important collection dedicated to Don Quixote in the world. In recent years, the museum has expanded its cultural offerings with film cycles, temporary exhibitions, concerts, editorial publications, and theatrical activities, becoming a cultural hub of reference.
The Sculpture Walk invites everyone to experience a unique journey where art and literature intertwine in every corner of the city. Walking through Guanajuato has become an aesthetic adventure that reminds us why this city is considered a cultural treasure of Mexico and the world. Discover the Sculpture Walk and let yourself be inspired by the magic of Cervantes!
