Some people are outdoorsy types, others only want to enjoy activities where there are cultural attractions to take in and appreciate. However, most people like some mixture of physical activities and cerebral pursuits and many destinations boasts famous hiking trails or parks or beaches as well as incredible theatres or museums or libraries. If you’re on vacation, therefore, you’re probably going to have an itinerary with a bit of both. However, if you book a villa in Playa Blanca and you’re exploring the range of activities on offer in Lanzarote, you will discover that there is a rather unique attraction that perfectly combines both of these areas of interest – the Atlantic Museum, an underwater gallery where you’ll have to go diving to admire the works of art...
Located 12 to 14 meters underwater, just off the coast of the town of Playa Blanca, the Atlantic Museum, or Museo Atlántico, was created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor who previously created the first underwater sculpture park in the world in the Caribbean and then an underwater museum in Mexico. Lanzarote’s own underwater museum is the first of its kind in Europe and was opened to the public in 2016. It has quickly become a major tourist attraction for those who book a holiday rental in Playa Blanca and those who spend time in Lanzarote, in general.
Designed as a large artificial reef in a sheltered area off the coast, the museum’s intriguing collection currently consists of ten different groups of sculptural figures and hundreds of individual life-sized works. These groups of sculptures include: the Rubico, which is a group of 35 figures modelled on Lanzarote residents that are walking towards a wall; the Raft of Lampedusa, a work inspired by the refugee crisis in Europe; a group of children in little boats called Los Jolateros; a playground occupied by businesspeople in suits called Deregulated; hybrid sculptures of half-human, half-cactus creatures that represent the intertwining of nature and man; and the largest piece, a group of 200 figures laid out in a wreath-like shape that forms a never-ending circle.
Made of pH-neutral materials that were chosen to encourage the growth of marine life and that will not harm their surroundings, the intention behind the museum was to encourage tourists and locals to think and engage with the waters as well as to offer a protected environment for marine life. Lauded as utterly unique and an innovative approach to marine conservation, the museum can be visited in three different ways. For those who do not wish to dive or who might be nervous to do so, never fear as you can always go on a tour with a glass-bottom boat and gaze down at the pieces. However, if you are interested in a more hands-on experience the most recommended way to experience this underwater museum is by venturing down there yourself, either on a guided snorkelling or a guided diving tour. Experienced instructors will bring visitors down to the collections and allow them to get up close and personal with these fascinating works of art.
Offering a singularly charming, unusual, unique, and somewhat haunting experience, this museum is unmissable for art-lovers who are looking for something different and a different perspective on art as well as divers or those interested in trying diving out who want a very special underwater space to explore. Browse our vacation rentals in Playa Blanca and come and delve into this beautiful part of the Canary Islands both on land and underwater – you will quickly find that there is so much on offer and some rather unforgettable wonders!
