César Manrique Foundation

What to see at the César Manrique Foundation

The Foundation, a museum showcasing the life and works of César Manrique, has its headquarters at one of the spectacular homes designed by the Lanzarote-born artist and architect.

Located on an expanse of petrified lava, the building is a work of art in itself. Like the rest of Manrique's creations, there's an other-worldly fusion of architecture and nature, creating an eternal dialogue between the volcano and the building.

The garden is equally enchanting. Abundant greenery - always surprising given Lanzarote's lack of vegetation - sprouts from the sea of black lava and volcanic ash to offer a striking contrast of textures and colors.

Exploring the lower floor of the César Manrique Foundation, we'll find five natural volcanic bubbles interconnected by tunnels excavated in the lava and a dreamy swimming pool. Throughout the house, we can learn about the artist's life and art through narrations of interviews with different people who worked with him.

The museum houses numerous examples of Manrique's artwork, as well as a number of pieces of contemporary art by artists including Picasso, Tàpies, and Joan Miró.

Manrique spent 20 years living in this incredible oasis in the heart of Lanzarote, before moving to the town of Haría, where he would spend the last years of life in what would become the César Manrique House Museum.

Unmissable

Lanzarote is synonymous with César Manrique, so it won't come as a surprise that the César Manrique Foundation is one of the most popular places to visit in Lanzarote. This incredible museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the artist's magical world of harmony between art and nature where anything is possible.