César Manrique in Lanzarote
Explore the visionary works of César Manrique, the artist who shaped Lanzarote's identity. Visit Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río, and other iconic attractions blending art with nature.
César Manrique (1919-1992) was a Lanzarote-born artist, architect, and environmentalist who transformed his island home into a unique blend of art and nature. His vision preserved Lanzarote's natural beauty while creating stunning architectural works that harmonize with the volcanic landscape.
Manrique's Life & Works Timeline
1910s
Birth in Arrecife
Born on April 24 in Arrecife, Lanzarote, beginning a life that would transform the island's identity
1940s
Art Academy Graduation
Graduated from the San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid, completing his formal artistic education
1950s
First Solo Exhibition
Held his first solo exhibition at the Feria del Libro in Madrid, establishing his presence in the Spanish art scene
1960s
Move to New York
Moved to New York City, establishing himself in the international art scene and working in abstract expressionism
Catherine Viviano Gallery Exhibition
Exhibited at the Catherine Viviano Gallery in New York, gaining international recognition
Return to Lanzarote
Returned to Lanzarote permanently, beginning his mission to preserve the island's natural beauty and cultural identity
Jameos del Agua
Created his first major architectural intervention, transforming volcanic caves into a cultural center with restaurant, auditorium, and natural pool
1970s
House in Tahíche
Designed and built his iconic house inside volcanic bubbles, which would later become the César Manrique Foundation
Mirador del Río
Completed the stunning viewpoint integrated into the cliffs, offering panoramic views of La Graciosa island
Jardín de Cactus
Created the Cactus Garden in Guatiza, showcasing over 1,000 species of cacti in a restored volcanic quarry
El Almacén
Acquired the building in 1973 and opened El Almacén on February 23, 1974, along with Yayo Fontes, Pepe Dámaso, and Luis Ibáñez. Called the 'Centro Polidimensional El Almacén' (Multidimensional Center El Almacén), it functioned as a revolutionary cultural laboratory housing a gallery, bookstore, bar/restaurant, and theater-studio
Tourism Development Plan
Helped establish the Tourism and Development Plan for Lanzarote, limiting building heights and banning billboards to preserve the island's character
World Ecology and Tourism Prize
Awarded the World Ecology and Tourism Prize for his environmental preservation efforts
1980s
Fine Arts Gold Medal
Received the Fine Arts Gold Medal from the Spanish government, recognizing his contributions to art and architecture
César Manrique Foundation
The César Manrique Foundation officially opened in his former home in Tahíche, preserving his legacy and promoting his vision
1990s
Death
Died in a car accident near his home on September 25, leaving an indelible mark on Lanzarote's landscape and culture
Manrique Attractions
Explore all of César Manrique's architectural works across Lanzarote. Most sites are managed by CACT (Centros de Arte, Cultura y Turismo) and offer combined tickets for multiple visits.
A stunning cultural center built into a volcanic tunnel, featuring a natural pool, restaurant, and underground auditorium. Home to unique blind albino crabs.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-18:30
Adult Ticket: €10
Child Ticket: €5
Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
Tips:
Visit early to avoid crowds. The underground auditorium hosts concerts - check schedule.
A breathtaking viewpoint restaurant built into a cliff face, offering panoramic views of La Graciosa island and the Chinijo Archipelago.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-17:45
Adult Ticket: €5
Child Ticket: €2.50
Visit Duration: 30-45 minutes
Tips:
Best visited on clear days for optimal views. The restaurant offers excellent local cuisine.
A beautiful botanical garden featuring over 1,000 species of cacti from around the world, arranged in a restored volcanic quarry.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-17:45
Adult Ticket: €6.50
Child Ticket: €3.25
Visit Duration: 45-60 minutes
Tips:
Photography enthusiasts will love the unique compositions. Visit during different seasons to see cacti in bloom.
Manrique's former home and studio, showcasing his personal art collection, furniture designs, and living spaces built into volcanic bubbles.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-18:00
Adult Ticket: €10
Child Ticket: €5
Visit Duration: 1 hour
Tips:
See where Manrique lived and worked. The house demonstrates his philosophy of integrating architecture with nature.
The foundation established in Manrique's former home, featuring exhibitions of his work and contemporary art, plus a sculpture garden.
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00
Adult Ticket: €10
Child Ticket: €5
Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
Tips:
Check website for current exhibitions. The foundation promotes Manrique's environmental vision.
A spectacular volcanic cave system formed by lava flows, featuring guided tours through illuminated underground passages.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-18:00
Adult Ticket: €10
Child Ticket: €5
Visit Duration: 1 hour
Tips:
Guided tours only. Book in advance during peak season. The cave maintains a constant 19°C temperature.
Dramatic coastal cliffs where waves crash into volcanic rock formations, creating spectacular natural fountains. Influenced by Manrique's vision.
Opening Hours: Always open
Adult Ticket: Free
Child Ticket: Free
Visit Duration: 30 minutes
Tips:
Best visited when the sea is rough for dramatic wave action. Safe viewing platforms provided.
While not designed by Manrique, the visitor center reflects his influence. Experience geothermal demonstrations and bus tours through the volcanic landscape.
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00-17:45
Adult Ticket: €12
Child Ticket: €6
Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
Tips:
Bus tours are included. The geothermal demonstrations are a must-see. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Combined Tickets
Save money by purchasing combined tickets for multiple CACT attractions. Available at all CACT sites or online.
Combined tickets offer significant savings when visiting 3 or more attractions. Check CACT website for current prices and combinations.
Visit CACT WebsiteManrique's Design Philosophy
César Manrique believed in harmonizing architecture with nature, using local materials and respecting the island's volcanic landscape. His works demonstrate how human creativity can enhance rather than dominate natural beauty.