Costa Rican culture is stepping outside the traditional walls of museums and galleries to meet the public in one of the most unexpected places. In an unprecedented cultural milestone, the monumental, world-renowned sculptures of master artist Jorge Jiménez Deredia have officially arrived at City Mall in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Titled “El arte como encuentro” (Art as an Encounter), this open-air exhibition brings the sublime beauty of Deredia’s bronze and marble works directly into the daily lives of thousands of Costa Ricans, redefining how public and commercial spaces can foster community, reflection, and national pride.

The Vision: Democratizing High Art

For decades, Jorge Jiménez Deredia—the first Latin American sculptor to have his works placed in the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican—has championed the idea that art belongs to the people.

By placing these multi-ton, monumental pieces in a bustling commercial hub like City Mall rather than a restricted museum, the exhibition breaks down socio-economic barriers. It invites families, shoppers, and travelers alike to pause, touch, and interact with world-class contemporary art during their everyday routines.

 “Art should not be a luxury for the few; it is a spiritual necessity for the community,” Deredia has often emphasized throughout his career.

 Inspired by Ancestral Roots: The Power of the Sphere

At the core of Deredia’s artistic philosophy is the sphere, a shape heavily inspired by the mysterious pre-Columbian stone spheres created by the ancestral Diquís culture of southern Costa Rica.

Key Themes of the Exhibition:

  Genesis and Evolution: The sculptures displayed at City Mall showcase Deredia’s signature “Genesises”—sequences of figures transforming from raw, circular stones into stylized human forms (mostly women), symbolizing life, growth, and cosmic connection.

  Organic Fluidity: Crafted with impeccable precision in Italy (where the artist has been based for decades) and shipped back to his homeland, the smooth curves of the bronze statues offer a striking visual contrast to the linear, modern architecture of the shopping center.

  A Journey of Self-Discovery: The placement of the pieces creates an immersive pathway, encouraging visitors to walk around them, examine the reflections on the bronze surfaces, and contemplate their own place in the universe.

 A Cultural Awakening for Alajuela

The arrival of Deredia’s work transforms City Mall from a simple commercial destination into a vibrant cultural landmark. This exhibition provides an invaluable educational opportunity for local schools and universities, allowing students to study the work of Costa Rica’s most internationally acclaimed living artist up close.

In a fast-paced digital world, “El arte como encuentro” reminds us of the power of physical presence. It challenges the traditional concept of urban spaces and sets a beautiful precedent for how corporate and commercial sectors can actively invest in bringing high-caliber culture directly to the hearts of the people.

If you are passing through Alajuela, take a moment to slow down, walk among these giants of bronze, and experience the profound ancestral connection that Deredia has brought home.

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