10 ATLANTIC MUSEUM

The museum is located off Lanzarote’s southern coast in a protected marine area near Coloradas. It can only be visited by scuba diving with a certified guide, following strict safety regulations and restrictions on depth and movement underwater.

A prominent piece is the “Raft of Lampedusa”, a boat filled with migrants referencing the European crisis. Many scenes offer a critique of consumerism and human detachment from nature, leaving interpretation open to the diver’s personal reflection.

Museo Atlántico opened in 2016 and quickly gained international recognition. The project was a collaboration between artist Jason deCaires Taylor, Lanzarote’s local authorities, and diving centers based in Playa Blanca.

Over 300 life-size sculptures lie beneath the sea, arranged in everyday scenes: people taking selfies, merchants, children, couples, and solitary figures. The installation captures the essence of modern life in a suspended, silent environment.

The sculptures are made from pH-neutral cement, safe for marine life. Their texture encourages colonization by coral, algae, and small organisms. Marine biologists monitor how the installation evolves into a living artificial reef over time.

The underwater silence enhances the contemplative nature of the visit. The site was carefully selected to avoid maritime traffic and strong currents, ensuring both the stability of the sculptures and the safety of visiting divers.