Breathtaking Underwater Museum Turns Ocean Floor Into Art Gallery And Doubles As Artificial Reef

There are countless museums throughout the world, all of which vary in size and scope, but none offer an exhibition quite like the Museo Atlantico – an underwater museum situated 14 meters below the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of the island of Lanzarote.

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

The exhibition is made up of a series of human sculptures, created by artists Jason deCaires Taylor, all of which sit silently on the ocean floor.

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Taylor himself has earned a reputation for producing very thought-provoking work driven by current issues, and this installation of sculptures is no different.

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

The first of these is the Rubicon, which is made up of 35 sculptures of people, all of which are making their way to a massive gate.

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Raft of Lampedusa features sculptures of people who anxiously wait on a boat for help and treatment, which is a direct reference to the current migrant crisis of Syrians.

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

“The work is not intended as a tribute or memorial to the many lives lost,” deClaires explains, “but as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility of our now global community.”

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

Sculptures Submerged Europe’s-First Underwater Art Museum

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