Underwater Statues Around the World

Humans as a species have been responsible for some pretty lousy abuse of the oceans, especially in recent history. For once, though, something we are placing into the ocean is a force for good. Underwater statues are being installed on seabeds around the world, and they appear to be having a genuinely positive effect.

Whether created as memorials, deterrents to harmful fishing practices, or as striking art installations, underwater statues quickly become part of the marine environment. The sea takes over, coral and algae begin to grow, and sea life soon populates areas that were once barren. Below are some of the most impressive and must-see underwater statues and sculpture parks around the world, perfect additions to your sailing itinerary.

Christ of the Abyss, Portofino, Italy

There are many underwater statues of Christ, but the oldest and most iconic can be found near San Fruttuoso, close to Portofino on the Italian Riviera. Standing 2.5 metres tall and cast in bronze, it was placed there in 1954 by Duilio Marcante to commemorate a diver friend who died in the area. Today, the statue attracts freedivers and scuba divers from around the world who come to reflect and honour those who have lost their lives at sea.

Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, Grenada

The world’s first underwater sculpture park was created in 2006 in the waters of Molinere Bay, Grenada. After a severe storm surge destroyed much of the seabed, the installation was designed to stimulate regrowth by providing new surfaces for coral and algae. This was the first underwater gallery by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, who has since created famous underwater gardens across the globe. The park features 75 sculptures over an 800-square-metre area, all made from long-lasting, pH-neutral cement with a textured finish to encourage coral attachment.

Underwater Grotto, Bohol, Philippines

On the island of Bohol lies Danajon Bank, a rare double reef and one of only six in the world. Years of destructive overfishing, including the use of dynamite and cyanide, had severely damaged the fragile ecosystem. In response, locals sank two religious statues, one of the Virgin Mary and one of a young Jesus, to the seabed. This unexpected strategy worked: fishermen avoided using explosives for fear of damaging the icons. Today the area is part of a thriving marine park, considered among the richest centres of marine biodiversity anywhere in the world.

Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA), Townsville, Australia

Located in the central Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland coast, MOUA is another underwater installation by Jason deCaires Taylor. The museum will eventually comprise four major works, each created to highlight the fragility of the reef and inspire conservation. Beyond serving as both an art attraction and potential habitat for marine life, the museum doubles as a scientific site, with instruments monitoring pH, salinity, oxygen levels, and a camera tracking coral growth.

Atlantic Museum, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Situated 14 metres below the surface and covering 2,500 square metres, the Atlantic Museum in Lanzarote is another of Taylor’s impressive underwater exhibitions. With over 300 sculptures, the museum is accessible to divers of all experience levels and aims to represent “the dialogue between past and present and the divisions within society”. Over time, the artworks have become living canvases, gradually transformed by the marine environment.

Images courtesy of Jason deCaires Taylor; Stella Styles and Martin Zapanta

 

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