Jason deCaires’ underwater Atlantic Museum is being readied for reopening, as are the horse and rider sculptures near San José Castle, although their precise location is still under consideration
Details surrounding the future of the British artist’s captivating underwater museum in the south and the Rising Tide sculptures, which were once installed at the foot of the Castillo de San José, remain shrouded in secrecy. ‘SPEL Turismo Lanzarote is currently working on two distinct projects related to deCaires’ work,’ confirmed Héctor Fernández, CEO of the Lanzarote Tourism Development and Promotion Agency, speaking from Dublin. ‘We’re in regular contact with him, and he’s made several visits to Lanzarote recently. Unfortunately, however, I cannot disclose any further details at this stage as the projects have yet to be finalised.’
Although the museum opened in 2016, surface patrols and admission charges for the designated marine area off Marina Rubicón on Lanzarote’s south coast were discontinued in 2020. Nevertheless, local scuba diving clubs have continued to operate excursions and try-dive experiences at the site.
‘We go down and visit it,’ explained a representative from Buco, the Lanzarote Diving Centres Association. ‘The area is accessible because you can’t exactly fence off the sea. Besides, there’s no need as it’s not a particularly busy spot, and it’s not suitable for everyone. The sculptures are located between twelve and fourteen metres deep, so scuba gear is essential – there’s no way you can just snorkel your way down there.’ Buco remained tight-lipped, however, regarding any potential reopening of the deCaires museum.
It’s worth noting that the Atlantic Museum’s initial management fell to EPEL, the entity responsible for the Arts, Culture and Tourism Centres. An EPEL representative explained the subsequent transfer of responsibility to the Tourism department: ‘The decision stemmed from the fact that the museum’s collection wasn’t directly related to the work of César Manrique. Maintaining consistency across the island’s cultural offerings, particularly those bearing Manrique’s distinctive stamp, was a key consideration.’
