Already known for its lava fields and extraordinary geology, the island’s attractions will soon extend far beyond anything you can find above ground. Recently, several eerie, life-like statues were dropped to the bottom of the ocean floor.
Museo Atlantico, the first underwater sculpture museum in Europe and the Atlantic, consists of 400 sculptures, all of which are the work of British artist Jason deCaires Taylor – known for creating similar installations in Mexico, the Bahamas, and most recently, the Thames.
Like many of Taylor’s past works, the Museo Atlantico is intended to spark a conversation.
The sculptures, which are built from pH-neutral marine cement, are meant to attract marine life. Over time, the sculptures are expected to evolve into artificial reefs, hosting a variety of coral, algae and fish.
At 45 feet below the surface, the work will be accessible to snorkelers and divers starting Feb. 25.