Isla de Lobos | Lanzarote

Fundación César Manrique: A Detailed Guide

Overview

The Fundación César Manrique is a cultural foundation dedicated to the life and work of César Manrique, one of Lanzarote’s most influential and iconic artists. The foundation is located in Tahíche, a village in the heart of Lanzarote, within the artist's former residence. Manrique, born in 1919, played a key role in shaping Lanzarote's modern identity, particularly through his work blending art, architecture, and nature. The foundation offers a unique insight into his creative genius, the cultural history of Lanzarote, and the island’s efforts to preserve its distinct landscape.

Key Features of Fundación César Manrique

1. César Manrique’s Former Home

Architectural Masterpiece:
The Fundación César Manrique is housed in Manrique’s former residence, a house he designed and lived in from 1968 to 1986. The residence is an architectural marvel, built into lava caves and surrounded by volcanic rock, creating a harmonious fusion of natural elements and human creativity. The house is a prime example of how Manrique integrated Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape into his work, making it an essential part of the island’s cultural fabric.

Design and Concept:
The house is a multilevel complex featuring five interconnecting volcanic bubbles, each serving a different function, such as the living room, kitchen, and studio. Manrique was passionate about preserving the environment and designed the house to make minimal impact on the land. Natural light and open spaces are key features, and the integration of natural materials such as lava stone, wood, and glass showcases his commitment to sustainability and aesthetic balance.

Gardens and Outdoor Spaces:
The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens with native Canarian plants, cacti, and sculptural elements. Manrique carefully landscaped the grounds to reflect his love of the island’s natural beauty, with winding paths, water features, and sculptures blending seamlessly with the volcanic environment.

2. Art and Exhibitions

Manrique’s Artwork:
The foundation houses a collection of César Manrique’s works, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The artwork reflects his wide-ranging interests, from abstract art and geometric shapes to organic forms inspired by the island’s volcanic landscapes. Many of his pieces explore the relationship between humanity and nature, with bright colors, strong contrasts, and evocative themes that have become his signature style.

Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions:
The foundation hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions of Manrique’s work, as well as exhibitions that explore other aspects of modern art, architecture, and Lanzarote’s cultural history. Visitors can see how Manrique’s artistic career evolved and the ways in which his work influenced not just Lanzarote but the broader cultural landscape.

3. César Manrique’s Influence on Lanzarote

Artistic Vision and Environmentalism:
César Manrique is often credited with transforming Lanzarote into the artistic and architectural wonder it is today. His work was grounded in the belief that art and nature should coexist, and he fought to ensure that Lanzarote's natural beauty and volcanic landscapes were respected and integrated into the island's modern development. One of his most notable contributions was the establishment of a policy against over-development on the island, ensuring that buildings would blend with the natural environment rather than dominate it.

Manrique’s Landmark Projects:
Through the foundation, visitors can learn about Manrique’s various landmark projects across the island, including:

• Jameos del Agua: A stunning combination of architecture and natural volcanic formations, now a cultural center and concert hall.
• Mirador del Río: A viewpoint offering panoramic views of the island of La Graciosa and the surrounding coastline.
• Cactus Garden (Jardín de Cactus): A beautiful garden with a wide variety of cactus species, built into an old quarry.
• Fundación César Manrique itself: The residence is an example of how Manrique designed public spaces to fit into the island’s environment.

4. The Foundation's Role in Preservation and Education

Cultural and Environmental Education:
The Fundación César Manrique is dedicated to preserving the legacy of César Manrique and promoting his vision of art, architecture, and environmental sustainability. Through various programs, the foundation educates the public about the importance of balancing modern development with environmental conservation. This includes organizing educational activities, guided tours, and workshops for schoolchildren, as well as adults, to learn about the island’s artistic heritage and the need for responsible urban planning.

Sustainability and Awareness:
The foundation emphasizes sustainable practices in both its daily operations and its outreach programs. It serves as a platform for discussions on how to integrate art and nature in ways that protect the environment while promoting artistic expression. Many of the foundation’s initiatives highlight the need to protect Lanzarote’s unique ecosystems, volcanic landscapes, and biodiversity.

5. Visitor Experience

Guided Tours and Information:
Visitors to the Fundación César Manrique can explore the house and grounds with a guided tour or at their own pace. The tours are informative and offer insights into Manrique’s life, his artistic vision, and the architectural design of the house. The foundation provides educational materials in multiple languages, and the guides offer in-depth explanations of the works on display and their connection to Lanzarote’s landscape.

Interactive Displays:
The museum features interactive displays and videos that explain the artist’s techniques, ideas, and philosophy. These multimedia exhibits provide visitors with a deeper understanding of how Manrique’s approach to art was influenced by the island’s volcanic nature.

The Gift Shop:
The foundation also has a gift shop offering a range of César Manrique-inspired merchandise, such as prints, books, jewelry, and home decor. The shop is a great place to purchase souvenirs that reflect Manrique’s unique artistic style.

6. Best Time to Visit

Opening Hours:
The Fundación César Manrique is open daily, except for Mondays. It’s a good idea to visit during the morning or early afternoon for a more relaxed experience, as the site can get busier later in the day, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Best Time for Events:
If you want to experience special events or temporary exhibitions, it’s worth checking the foundation’s website or social media for information about upcoming cultural events, art exhibitions, or workshops.

7. Nearby Attractions

Jameos del Agua:
Just a short drive away, Jameos del Agua is one of Manrique’s most famous creations. It combines natural volcanic tunnels with artistic interventions to create a stunning environment that includes a concert hall, a restaurant, and a museum.

Mirador del Río:
Located in the northern part of Lanzarote, Mirador del Río offers one of the best viewpoints on the island, designed by Manrique to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings.

Cactus Garden:
Located in the village of Guatiza, this beautiful garden showcases a wide variety of cactus species from around the world, laid out in an old quarry.

Why Visit Fundación César Manrique?

The Fundación César Manrique offers a unique opportunity to delve into the life and work of one of Lanzarote’s greatest artists, exploring his remarkable fusion of art, architecture, and nature. It is a place where visitors can connect with Manrique’s vision of a sustainable, beautiful, and harmonious world. Whether you’re an art lover, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone interested in the cultural history of Lanzarote, the foundation is an essential stop for anyone visiting the island.