Maman Spider

Overview

Maman is a 9.27-metre-tall bronze, stainless steel, and marble spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, installed on the waterside terrace of the Guggenheim Museum. One of six casts worldwide, it is a tribute to the artist's mother and her work as a weaver.

Highlights

• Scale and Detail: The towering arachnid carries a sac of 26 white marble eggs beneath its body.
• Symbolism: Bourgeois associated spiders with her mother — industrious, protective, and nurturing.
• Riverside Setting: The sculpture frames dramatic views of the Nervión and the Zubizuri bridge.

History

Bourgeois created the original Maman in 1999 for the opening of the Tate Modern's Turbine Hall in London. Bronze casts were subsequently installed in Bilbao, Ottawa, Tokyo, Seoul, Doha, and Zürich.

Visitor Tips

• Walk underneath to see the egg sac up close.
• Combine with Puppy and the Fog Sculpture for the full set of Guggenheim outdoor artworks.
• Duration: 5–10 minutes.