The Fundación María Cristina Masaveu Peterson and Madrid City Council are promoting an expert conservation intervention on Julia, the iconic sculpture by Jaume Plensa located in Plaza de Colón. Funded entirely by the Foundation as the owner of the work, the intervention will be carried out by a specialist sculpture restoration firm in close collaboration with the artist’s studio to ensure the optimal condition of the piece.

Although the piece is in good overall condition and annual maintenance has been undertaken since its installation in 2018, this year (2026) a more thorough intervention is deemed necessary. After eight years of exposure to the elements and the effects of environmental pollution, the sculpture will undergo comprehensive cleaning to remove dirt, rainwater residue and small rust stains detected on the surface.

The intervention will also include the inspection of the internal condition of the stainless- steel tubular structure and the repair of joints with silicone to prevent the penetration of external agents. Small scratches on the surface will also be consolidated and reintegrated. These works will require the temporary installation of scaffolding that will partially cover the sculpture from the end of April until the beginning of June.

The intervention reaffirms the commitment to the conservation of cultural heritage of both the Foundation and Madrid City Council. Julia, a large-scale work standing 12 metres tall and made out of polyester resin and white marble dust, will remain in Plaza de Colón until at least December 2026, with a possible extension until 2027, consolidating its status as an icon of contemporary public art in the city.