Embark on a Submerged Journey: Europe’s First Underwater Sculpture Museum Unveils Over 300 Life-Sized Figures
The captivating attraction known as Museo Atlantico in Lanzarote has officially opened its doors, showcasing an extraordinary collection of over 300 life-sized sculptures. Renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor spent nearly three years meticulously crafting twelve expansive underwater installations for this unique project.
Situated 39 feet below the sea’s surface, the sculptures rest on the seabed, creating a mesmerizing underwater museum. Divers now have the opportunity to explore this remarkable artistic endeavor off the coast of Bahia de Las Coloradas.
Immerse Yourself in Wonder: Inauguration of Europe’s First Underwater Sculpture Museum Showcasing Over 300 Life-Sized Figures
Delve into the Depths: Dive into the Underwater Museum off the Coast of Bahia de Las Coloradas, where Life-Sized Sculptures Rest 39 Feet Below the Sea Bed
Crafted from pH Neutral Materials, These Artistic Creations Will Flourish for Centuries as an Artificial Reef, Nurturing Marine Life
Museo Atlantico, located in Lanzarote, is a captivating attraction that took nearly three years to complete. It boasts an impressive collection of twelve underwater installations created by the renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor.
These sculptures, meticulously crafted from pH-neutral materials, are designed to endure for hundreds of years while serving as artificial reefs that foster the flourishing of marine life. Moreover, they serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for environmental conservation and shed light on critical marine ecology issues.
This ambitious project represents the largest-scale installation by British sculptor deCaires Taylor, whose pioneering underwater sculpture park in Grenada, the West Indies,
A Unique Tribute to the Ancient Inhabitants: Europe’s Only Underwater Museum Showcasing Guañches Figures and the Participation of Local Models
Distinguished as the sole underwater museum in Europe, this remarkable attraction features sculptures intricately modeled after the Guañches – the indigenous cave-dwelling people who inhabited the Canary Islands prior to the Spanish conquest. In a testament to inclusivity and community involvement, artist deCaires Taylor extended an invitation to locals to serve as models for these captivating pieces.
The Raft of Lampedusa is a poignant structure that resonates with the immense movement of refugees making perilous journeys across the sea to reach Europe, while also highlighting the alarming frequency of tragic fatalities that accompany these desperate voyages. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding on our shores.
Among the captivating features of the underwater museum is the inclusion of figures representing the Guanches, an indigenous cave-dwelling people who inhabited the Canary Islands prior to the Spanish conquest. DeCaires Taylor also extended an invitation to locals to serve as models for the artwork.
Known as the Human Gyre, this installation showcases over 200 human sculptures of various ages and sizes. One particularly poignant piece is The Raft of Lampedusa, which portrays the refugee crisis unfolding off the coast of the Italian island.
Additionally, the exhibition presents intriguing elements such as a businessperson in a children’s playground, a swinging apparatus, a seesaw, and children paddling in fishing boats.
The underwater project has been specifically designed to heighten awareness regarding environmental conservation and marine ecology issues.
Currently, the statues are being meticulously lowered into the water using chains and supports in preparation for the upcoming opening.
The Atlantic Museum, designed by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, draws inspiration from his previous works in Cancun, Mexico, and Grenada in the West Indies. The artist has described his sculptures as a tribute to those whose “hopes and dreams remain at the bottom of the sea.”
In addition to the haunting figures, divers will have the opportunity to explore a 100-ton, 90-foot-long wall and a botanical garden adorned with flower sculptures. One notable feature is a twisted cactus structure that is expected to serve as a thriving habitat for octopuses, sea urchins, and juvenile fish to enjoy.
