Discover the Underwater Museum in Marseille

Written on : 09 February 2021
By : Laura Wendy Harders López

Even though the pandemic has disrupted leisure and cultural activities, many museums have set to innovate to continue supporting works of art. And that's what happened when Marseille surprised its inhabitants with a new attraction: "Musée Subaquatique". Located off the coast of Les Catalans, an art gallery is submerged underwater, where the only mask you'll need to wear are some goggles.

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This beautiful museum displays aquatic sculptures that pay tribute to marine biology and raise awareness about environmental protection.

Now, taking the plunge to marvel at this museum's works of art has become one of the trendiest plans to do in this iconic port city.
Not only has the museum brought about environmental awareness, but it has also allowed people to admire fine art and marine life with little risk of spreading the virus. It also encourages people to kindle their artistic curiosity in a unique habitat while engaging in a fun water sport.

Thus far, this art gallery is composed of ten sculptures of different artists which are 100 metres away from the shore and 5 metres underwater. Since its opening in September of 2020, it has ranked as one of the most groundbreaking cultural attractions of Marseille.

The pieces, which have been meticulously placed by the engineering company Seven Seas, are the work of the following artists: Herrel (Coexistence), Christophe Charbonnel (Poseidon), Evelyne Galinski (Les Néréides), Davide Galbiati (La Graine et la Mer), Mathias Souverbie (Fish of Marseille), Daniel Zanca (L'Oursin), Thierry Trivès (Résilience), Benoit de souza (Les Singes de Mer), Marc Petit (Séléné), and Galbiati (La Graine et la Mer).

Apart from disseminating environmental information, the museum will also offer an extensive catalogue of activities and workshops throughout 2021, including various lectures on marine biology and protection, and temporary art exhibitions where the museum will cover important in-depth themes in order to spread more awareness.

While many museums are experimenting with new ways of interacting with the public (such as virtual museum visits)-- the Musée Subaquatique has unquestionably broken the boundaries of convention. Not only will it offer an exciting immersive experience that fascinates on an artistic and pedagogical level but will also create a heartfelt spiritual bond between this underwater universe and its visitors.

This beautiful underwater art gallery will make its divers indulge in a feast for the soul and senses. So, pack your goggles and take the plunge!

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