The on-going Cancun Underwater Museum project is an attempt to preserve the area's natural coral reefs. Construction of the world's largest underwater sculpture park began last November when the first three sculptures were meticulous sunk in place. Cancun attracts over 700,00 visitors annually, and the first three sculptures have already sparked the interest of tourists. The area is now blooming with beautiful and colorful corals.
The National Park West Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc is the home of the new sculpture collection. The man-made artificial habitat is close to natural coral reefs, but aims to give the natural section an opportunity to flourish on its own without disruption from divers and snorkelers. According to Focus on Travel, the Cancun Underwater Museum is progressing right on schedule:
"The first 100 sculptures of the 'Silent Evolution' are nearing completion and the museum's underwater garden is quickly blooming with colorful corals.
These life-size figures, which were molded from various members of the local community, will form a large artificial reef aiming to draw visitors and sea life to this uninhabited area of the park. The first set of 200 sculptures is scheduled to go underwater in June 2010; the museum will have 400 sculptures by the end of the year."
British artist Jason deCaires Taylor is the mastermind behind the innovative project. In 2006, he introduced the world to his creations when he designed the first underworld sculpture park in Grenada, West Indies. He is now the Artistic Director of the Cancun exhibit, which will cost of $350,000 USD. Besides the artistic value of the project, The Marine National Park saw the necessity to divert tourists away from the natural coral reefs. The reefs draw visitors to the area, but they need space from human contact to maintain their integrity.
The addition of artificial coral reefs will maintain the area as a tourist attraction, but will keep the natural habitat isolated from damaging effects. A best of both worlds situation. Just as art exhibits on land are curated in a particular order, the layout of the Cancun Underwater Museum will be divided into theme-based galleries.
