The Big Fish, Belfast

The Big Fish, also known locally and affectionately as the Big Blue Fish, is one of Belfast’s most eye-catching and cherished pieces of public art. Created by artist John Kindness in 1999, this 10-metre-long ceramic mosaic sculpture was installed at Donegall Quay, near the Lagan Lookout and Custom House, to mark the regeneration of the River Lagan. Officially depicting a salmon, it stands near the confluence of the River Farset and the Lagan. The sculpture is hard to miss-not just because of its size, but also because it stands at the very heart of the city’s history.

What makes the Big Fish truly special is its skin. Each shimmering blue ceramic tile is printed with text, illustrations and images that collectively tell the story of Belfast. From Tudor-era maps to 20th-century newspaper headlines, the sculpture is like a visual time capsule. There are even drawings by schoolchildren and members of the local community, adding a personal and playful dimension to the piece. Contributions came from local schools and day centres, while historic imagery was provided by the Ulster Museum. Inside the fish is a literal time capsule, containing images, poetry and documents relating to the city.

More than just a quirky photo spot, the Big Fish is a symbol of Belfast’s cultural rebirth and its deep connection to the waterways that shaped it. Locals may chuckle at its playful nicknames, but there’s no denying that this gleaming salmon has swum its way into the city’s heart-and become one of its most distinctive landmarks.