The sculptures weigh approximately 10 tons each.
The blowholes in the pavement are connected to a system of pipes that allow seawater to spray upward during high tide and heavy surf.
Eduardo Chillida chose the location specifically for its proximity to the raw, untamed forces of the Atlantic.
The steel was purposely left untreated to develop a patina that protects it from further corrosion by salt spray.
Luis Peña Ganchegui designed the stone terraces to serve as an amphitheater for viewing the interaction between the sea and the steel.
The sculptures are considered a seminal example of site-specific art in the 20th century.
The Comb of the Wind consists of three massive steel sculptures anchored into natural rock formations at the western edge of La Concha Bay. Designed by Eduardo Chillida and installed in 1976, the sculptures interact with the Cantabrian Sea through integrated blowholes in the granite pavement. When waves hit the rocks, pressurized water and air spray through these conduits, creating distinct whistling sounds and geyser-like effects. The sculptures are made of forged steel, which was allowed to oxidize to blend with the rugged coastal environment. The site is part of a larger architectural intervention designed by architect Luis Peña Ganchegui, who collaborated with Chillida to reshape the waterfront promenade. It marks the transition point between the urban beach and the open, volatile Atlantic ocean. The site is a public space accessible throughout the year regardless of season.
The stone terrace overlooking the bay, which provides a wide frame for both the sculptures and the horizon.
Wear shoes with good grip as the stone surface becomes slippery when wet from sea spray.
Visit during high tide or when the sea is rough to experience the full effect of the blowholes and crashing water.
Stay behind the safety barriers near the blowholes to avoid being sprayed by unexpected gusts of seawater.
Do not attempt to climb onto the sculptures or venture onto the slippery rock ledges during high tide.
