Cancun's Museo Subacuático de Arte (Underwater Museum)
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| Photo via New York Times |
Most people don't think of Cancun as a cultural destination, but the Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) created in 2009 by artist Jason deCaires Taylor is hoping to change that thinking. In two locations in the Cancun area, Taylor has created nearly 500 original sculptures submerged onto the floor of the Caribbean, viewable by snorkellers and scuba divers.
At the Salon Manchones on Isla Mujeres divers and snorkelers can view several monumental works at a depth of 6-9 meters including “The Silent Evolution” in which the artist presents his view of the evolution of the Mayan people with over 400 life size figurative pieces.
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| Photo of "The Silent Evolution" by Jason deCaires Taylor via UnderwaterSculpture.com |
Slightly more accessible, the Salon Punta Nizac is designed for snorkelers at a depth of only 4 meters. There are ten equally impressive sculptures at Punta Nizuc, including the recently installed "Listener" (below).
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| Photo of "The Listener" by Jason deCaires Taylor via UnderwaterSculpture.com |
MUSA is aiming to demonstrate how "the interaction between art and environmental science forms a complex reef structure for marine life to colonise, inhabit and increase biomass on a grand scale." The sculptures, constructed from special materials used to promote the growth of coral, are all designed to become artificial reefs which boost the delicate ecosystem. Over time, the appearance of the sculptures will change as the coral grows and marine life colonize the structures.
Additionally, MUSA is hoping to promote Cancun as a developing cultural and artistic destination. Their desire is to continue the growth of this project by inviting other fine artists to add their sculpture to this remarkable underwater museum.