César Manrique Foundation: Explore The Artist’s Unique Home In Lanzarote

César Manrique Foundation was formed after renowned Spanish artist, César Manrique, was killed in a car accident at the age of 73. Nowadays, travelers can explore his wonderfully artistic home, embedded in five lava bubbles in Taro de Tahiche on the island of Lanzarote. Read on to find out more about the artist and his studio and home, on which he first started work in 1968.

César Manrique Foundation and the artist’s home

While from ground level César Manrique’s home looks like a typical, traditional Lanzarote home, the rooms of the house are unique. Each is literally embedded in nature in five lava bubbles. Meanwhile, the furnishings themselves are considered masterpieces.

Back in 1968, Manrique chose the location of his home, while choosing to build on top of, and in existing lava flow from an eruption in around 1730. Now, visitors have access to the central lava bubble, which the artist converted into a spacious and attractive entertainment area. In this area of the home is a living room and dining room, together with a swimming pool, barbeque and dance floor for the parties Manrique used to throw.

Meanwhile, besides the home itself, travelers can visit the artist’s studio, where everything is left as it was on the day he died. Here, besides the artist’s work, it is possible to view original sketches by famous Spanish artists, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.

Design of the home

Besides the attractive and interesting rooms set in lava bubbles, the design of the building is fascinating. Throughout, curving and well-lit tunnels move between the lava bubbles on the lower level.

However, the building itself is interesting to view, with its lush and beautiful garden, stocked with the typical flora of the island. As can be seen in the image, the garden is backed by a wall with a striking and colorful mural by the artist.

About César Manrique

Manrique was born in Arrecife on the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Spain, on April 24, 1919. The artist spent some time as a volunteer in the artillery unit under Franco during the Spanish Civil War. Following this, Manrique studied architecture at the University of La Laguna for two years.

Meanwhile, in 1945, the artist moved to Spain’s capital, Madrid, and won a scholarship from the San Fernando Art School. After two years, Manique graduated with a degree in teaching art and painting.

Between 1964 and 1966, the artist spent time in New York City, USA. Here, he was awarded a grant by Nelson Rockefeller to rent his own studio in the Big Apple. Moreover, he went on to paint many artistic works, which were exhibited in the Catherine Viviano Gallery. It was in 1968 that the artist returned home to Lanzarote and went on to design and live in his spectacular home.

Unfortunately, Manrique passed away from a car accident on September 25, 1992, close to his home. During the same year, the César Manrique Foundation was formed to protect his works.

Manrique and the environment

The local environment was important to César Manrique. Due to this, entrance fees to visit his home are used to fund Lanzarote’s artistic, cultural and environmental activities. Meanwhile, the artist was among the first to recognize the tourist potential of the island. In fact, he lobbied with authorities to encourage the “sympathetic development of tourism” in Lanzarote. This means that no high-rise apartment blocks or hotels would be built. In fact, hotels that have since been built are in keeping with the traditional architecture of the island.

Readers can find more information about the César Manrique Foundation and the artist’s home on the official website here. In the meantime, explore this wonderful home on Lanzarote in the video included below.