aixcentric

Whatever next?  Plans are in place for a new tourist attraction in Marseille…an underwater museum.  Standing in long boring queues to see artworks will be a thing of the past here – visitors just need diving gear to take the plunge 8m down into the Anse des Catalans.

Initially, 15 sculptures will be installed but the collection will grow to 45 over the next three years. It was inspired by the underwater sculptures of British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, who has already displayed underwater art off the coast of Grenada and Cancun.

It’ll be a first in France and already it has local approvals – just waiting for a national nod.  The museum’s opening is planned for June 8th – the date of World Ocean Day 2017.

The art on display under the waves is made with a pH-neutral cement that does not affecct the sea’s ecosystem. The works also become artificial reefs for local flora and fauna.

Something similar is being planned for Monaco.

The artist’s website is here: http://www.underwatersculpture.com/