Cancun Underwater Museum, Underwater art museum in the Caribbean Sea, Mexico
The Cancun Underwater Museum features 500 life-sized sculptures submerged in water, creating an artificial reef system near Isla Mujeres and Cancun.
The museum opened in 2010 during the Cancun climate summit, following an initiative to protect natural coral reefs from excessive tourist activities.
International and Mexican artists contribute sculptures made from marine concrete, depicting human figures and contemporary environmental themes beneath the water.
Visitors can explore the underwater exhibits through glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling excursions, or scuba diving sessions with certified instructors.
Marine organisms gradually colonize the sculptures, transforming the artworks into living installations that support diverse ocean wildlife populations.
Location: Cancun
Inception: 2010
Website: https://musamexico.org
GPS coordinates: 21.07626,-86.84620
Latest update: May 27, 2025 06:58
Marine museums present the history of seafaring, scientific exploration of the oceans, and the diversity of marine life. These institutions display ship models, nautical instruments, aquariums with living sea creatures, and exhibitions about oceanography. Visitors learn about historical voyages of discovery, modern ocean research, and the protection of marine ecosystems. Notable examples include the Oceanogràfic in Valencia with its various marine biotopes, the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam with its collection on Dutch naval history, and the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, founded in 1910. The Maritime Museum of San Diego preserves historic vessels, while the Museum of Oceanography in Sopot documents Baltic Sea research. These museums combine scientific education with the fascination for seas and oceans.
Quintana Roo contains remote beaches, Mayan ruins and natural areas. The region features cenotes with underwater caves, historical sites in the jungle, and small islands. These locations allow encounters with Mexican local culture and nature.
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