Biocon Foundation and BIAL Unveil Jaume Plensa’s Sculpture Bengaluru’s Soul at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 27: Biocon Foundation in collaboration with Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport), introduces “Bengaluru’s Soul”, a monumental sculpture by renowned Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, at the Arrival Forecourt of Terminal 2.
The installation was unveiled by H.E. Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain to India, in the esteemed presence of Mr. Priyank Kharge, Honourable Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, and Information Technology & Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka, with Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Group, and Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), in attendance, alongside artist Jaume Plensa.
Installed in painted stainless steel and measuring 500 x 319 x 375 cm, “Bengaluru’s Soul” reflects the city’s diversity, creativity, and global outlook. The installation reinforces BLR Airport’s vision of integrating art, culture, and infrastructure to create a distinctive and immersive gateway for travellers.
Jaume Plensa is internationally acclaimed for large-scale public works across cities including Chicago, New York, London, Madrid, Barcelona, Tokyo, Taipei, Denver and Montreal. His sculptures explore identity, humanity, and introspection, transforming public spaces into sites of reflection.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group and Managing Trustee of Biocon Foundation, said: “We are proud to support the installation of ‘Bengaluru’s Soul’ at BIAL, as it captures the spirit of a city where ideas, cultures, and innovation converge. Public art humanizes civic spaces and fosters a shared sense of identity. At Biocon Foundation, we believe building resilient cities requires not just infrastructure, but investment in culture and creativity.”
Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited, said, “At BLR Airport, we see art as integral to shaping a distinctive sense of place and elevating the passenger journey. Terminal 2 is envisioned as a cultural gateway, where infrastructure and artistic expression come together seamlessly. ‘Bengaluru’s Soul’ by Jaume Plensa reflects this vision, capturing a spirit that is globally connected yet deeply rooted in creativity and diversity. As millions pass through BLR Airport, our Art Programme creates memorable first and last impressions, reinforcing Bengaluru’s identity.”
Supported by Biocon Foundation—the CSR arm of the Biocon Group—the installation aligns with its broader work in enhancing Bengaluru’s environmental resilience and liveability through initiatives in urban ecology, public health, sanitation, and community development. By supporting public art, the Foundation continues to foster a more vibrant, inclusive urban environment.
The installation further underscores BLR Airport’s positioning as a cultural gateway, combining world-class infrastructure with thoughtful design and artistic expression. This commitment is reflected in its rise from 8th to 5th position in the Skytrax World’s Best Art in the Airport 2026 rankings.
