Museo Atlántico- Underwater museum in Spain

Through this report, I am introducing Museo Atlántico, an innovative project in Spain- an underwater museum that aims to integrate art with the environment- A very interesting 'art cum eco' innovation, that in my opinion is worth sharing with all members.

 

The Museo Atlántico, Europe's first underwater museum, is located off the coast of the Canary Island of Lanzarote in Spain. Encompassing a vast area of 2500 square meters on the ocean floor, this unique museum invites the public to explore its depths.

 

Renowned British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, known for his underwater exhibitions in Mexico, the Bahamas, and Grenada, designed the museum. In an interview with the local newspaper Voz de Lanzarote, Taylor expressed his belief that Lanzarote's stunning underwater landscapes would serve as a "gateway to the Atlantic" and foster an appreciation for marine life, encouraging people to develop a stronger affinity for our planet. The exhibition aims to establish a powerful visual connection between art and nature.

 

The primary purpose of this project is educational, with a focus on preserving and safeguarding the marine and natural environment, while simultaneously advocating for ocean conservation. The museum features ten distinct groups of sculptures strategically placed to create an expansive artificial reef.

 

These sculptures, which combine human and cactus elements, form an essential component of the underwater botanical garden located at depths of 12-14 meters beneath the Atlantic Ocean. Nearly 200 life-sized human figures, some resembling local residents, symbolize the harmony between nature and humanity, drawing inspiration from the abundant vegetation found on Lanzarote.

 

Constructed from environmentally friendly and pH-neutral cement materials, the sculptures are designed to attract marine flora and fauna, functioning much like artificial reefs. Over time, this will facilitate the growth of marine biomass and enhance species reproduction on the island.

 

To explore the Museo Atlántico, visitors must book certified diving companies and receive guidance from EDG-trained instructors (Eco Diver Guides).

 

While the project has faced political debates and opposition, with some arguing that the funds could have been allocated to humanitarian or developmental endeavors, I believe that initiatives like these have the potential to reconnect us with nature. Assuming thorough environmental analysis has been conducted during the planning process, I anticipate that the museum will contribute to the marine ecosystem and serve as an exemplar of sustainable art with a meaningful message.

Please refer to the following websites for more information and details. They offer very interesting details and photos of the museum, especially description of the respective sculptures, each delivering its own meaningful message.

http://www.cactlanzarote.com/en/cact/the-underwater-museum-lanzarote-museo-atlantico/

https://www.divecollegelanzarote.com/en/museo-atlantico-lanzarote/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-25/europes-first-underwater-museum-opens-in-spain/8210242

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-30244196

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/photo-essays/2017-01-12/14-chilling-pictures-of-incredible-underwater-sculptures

Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VSWrnB4xsg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4P24QGxpbk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8k_ZbFLNwM

The museum in Mexico where the sculptures are already acting as reefs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8k_ZbFLNwM