El Gato del Río Sculpture

Why a cat? That’s the question most people ask when they first see El Gato del Río. This massive bronze feline, a whimsical creation by Colombian artist Hernando Tejada, has become an iconic symbol of Cali. El Gato del Río, meaning “The River Cat,” was a gift to the city, inaugurated on July 3, 1996, Cali’s independence day. The sculpture’s journey to its riverside perch was quite an event. It was crafted in Bogotá in the studio of Rafael Franco, and its sheer size required the studio’s roof to be removed for transport. Imagine the sight of this giant cat traveling across Colombia to its new home. El Gato del Río quickly became a beloved landmark, joining the ranks of Cristo Rey and the Sebastian de Belalcazar monument. The area around the sculpture evolved into a park, affectionately known as Parque El Gato De Tejada or simply, “Cat Park.” But El Gato del Río wasn’t destined to be alone. In 2006, the city launched a revitalization project, introducing “las novias del gato,” or “the cat’s girlfriends.” Fifteen cat sculptures, each the same size and shape as the original but decorated by different Colombian artists, were installed. Artists like Maripaz Jaramillo, Omar Rayo, and others contributed to this feline family, each cat telling a unique story. Today, even more cat sculptures grace the park and the city, a testament to the enduring charm of El Gato del Río. So, the next time you find yourself in Cali, take a stroll along the river and meet El Gato del Río and its many companions. They are a symbol of the city’s vibrant spirit, a playful reminder that art can bring joy and transform a simple riverside into a purrfectly delightful destination.