Eduardo Kobra in Pisa: The Story Behind the Brazilian Mural That Enchants Tuscany

Kobra in Pisa – If you’re planning a trip to Pisa, know that in addition to visiting the famous Leaning Tower, you should add another attraction to your itinerary: a stop in front of the mural by Kobra. Here, you’ll learn more about the artwork and where to find it.

Brazilian Street Art in Pisa

Following Keith Haring’s TuttoMondo, it’s now Brazilian street art that’s making waves in Pisa.

Eduardo Kobra, a renowned Brazilian muralist, celebrates the historical figure of Galileo Galilei in Pisa, the birthplace of the celebrated astronomer, with an impressive urban artwork.

In a poignant tribute, Kobra unleashes his creativity on a 160-square-meter mural (approximately 1722.22 square feet) located on Via Silvio Pellico.

Kobra’s art not only captures the essence of Galileo but also enriches the urban environment, offering a new perspective on the legacy of this scientific pioneer.

The mural depicts Galileo under a starry sky, in the act of observing through a telescope, which curiously blends into the depiction of the Tower of Pisa. This symbolic element suggests a bridge between the past and present, highlighting the continual human quest for knowledge.

Kobra uses a palette of vibrant colors and complex geometries to compose Galilei’s face, adding to the scene a voluminous white beard that brings even more light and depth to the work. This distinctive style not only celebrates Galilei’s legacy but also reflects Kobra’s unique technique, known for revitalizing historical figures with new life and relevance.

Kobra’s initiative in Pisa strongly resonates with the artist’s vision of urban art: democratic, inclusive, and capable of transforming spaces and mindsets.

According to Kobra, cities function as vast open-air galleries, making art accessible to everyone, regardless of their cultural background.

This work in Pisa not only honors a great scientist but also engages the public directly, encouraging reflections on science, history, and art. Thus, Kobra’s art in Pisa reinforces the city as a meeting space between a glorious past and contemporary artistic expression, promoting a lively and ongoing interaction with its inhabitants and visitors.

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Who is Eduardo Kobra?

Eduardo Kobra, a muralist from humble beginnings in Jardim Martinica, São Paulo, Brazil, has become a global reference in urban art, with murals spread across five continents.

His work, known for transforming urban spaces with vibrant colors and hyper-realistic images, gained maximum notoriety after creating “Etnias” for the Rio Olympics in 2016, a record he surpassed in 2017 with a mural dedicated to chocolate.

His artistic journey began with graffiti, evolving through work in scenography and decoration before diving into street art.

Kobra is known for his deep interest in historical images, using his works to reclaim the importance of places and reinforce a sense of belonging. His projects range from representing old photos of São Paulo to paying tribute to historical figures and peace activists like Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, and Malala Yousafzai.

The hip-hop heritage in his art is evident in his hyper-realistic images, filled with strong and contrasting colors, which have become his visual signature. Kobra continues to influence and inspire, working from his studio in São Paulo and leaving his mark in cities around the world.

Where is the mural by Eduardo Kobra in Pisa?

When you are in Pisa, in the state of Tuscany, Italy, just type “Auditorium Centro Maccarrone” into your Google Maps to get directions to the mural by Brazilian Eduardo Kobra. There you will find the incredible panel that the artist created at the end of 2023.

I had been wanting to check out the work in person for some time, but with the hustle and bustle of recent weeks, it was only possible to go there on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at night:

Are you also a fan of street art? I’d love to hear about the piece that has captivated you the most so far.