The Parc de la Cuitdella is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. It serves as a retreat for those wanting to bask in the sunlight, listen to the birdsong, and marvel at the Cascada Monumental. Beyond the magnificent monument are statues and history that describe the original intent of the park and each creator’s vision for what it could one day become for the community.
The story behind the Woolly Mammoth statue lies with its sculptor, Miquel Dalmau. He envisioned a dedicated portion of the park to exhibit extinct animals that are revered and still seen in pop culture such as the Ice Age movies and news stories that revolve around anthropology and archaeology. At the time of construction, it was envisioned to be paired with a Saber Tooth Tiger, Giant Sloth, Dodo Birds and other animals that had been long gone. Dalmau wanted the collection of structures to serve as an educational exhibit with each animal in a dedicated section as seen in a typical zoo.
Shortly after the construction of Julia – better known as “The Mammoth Statue” – Dalmau passed leaving several sculptures left to be built. The Board of Natural Sciences of Barcelona decided to cut funding to the project leaving Dalmau’s vision incomplete but a rich history of drama surrounding his Woolly Mammoth, Julia.
About the Authors:
Sarah Cheely: Public Relations, Senior
Noah Gottschalk: Journalism, Junior
Tara McGee: Mass Communications, Junior
Eliza Rose Newton: Public Relations, Junior
Madison Rousculp: Journalism, Senior
