Fundación César Manrique
A sea of lava is a sad reminder of how destructive nature can be. To an imaginative mind like César Manrique’s, though, it’s a diamond in the rough. With creativity, he turned this hidden gem into a famous work of art – the Volcano House. Today, it is also called Fundacion César Manrique, Tahíche’s most popular tourist spot. And, its doors are wide open to those who seek art, beauty, nature, and uniqueness.
Table of Contents
The Birth of the Volcano House
Visit a House like No Other
Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
Dining Options
Food and Fun
Heavenly Bakeries
How to Get to the Volcano House of Manrique
More Than a House and a Museum
The Birth of the Volcano House
A native of Lanzarote, César Manrique went back to his roots from New York City in 1966. It was while he was walking around the sea of lava that covered much of Tahíche that he chanced upon the tip of a fig tree. Curious and puzzled, he took a closer look and learned that it grew from within a lava bubble. And, that’s when a fantastic idea hit him.
Underneath what many people thought was a useless field of volcanic rocks are five bubbles. And, for an artist and architect in search of a new home, they are precisely what he needed. The bubbles were interconnected and, in 1968, the work and display space were finished. Manrique’s new abode, however, wasn’t only some unique structure. It was art in nature and nature in art, the very philosophy he dedicated his life to.
Fundation Cesar Manrique (Volcano House, Taro de Tahíche)
Entrance to César Manrique Foundation in Tahíche – Image Courtesy of Frank Vincentz
Visit a House like No Other
The abode is known by three names: Volcano House, Fundacion César Manrique, and Taro de Tahíche. Built on 3,000 m2 of hardened lava flow and with five lava caves, it was destined to be unlike any other. It wows every guest as soon as they arrive. And, by the time they reach the lava rooms, jaws are already on the floor.
First impressions count, and Manrique sure did think so too. Visitors are welcomed by his two sculptures Juguetes del Viento (Wind Toys) and El Triunfador (The winner). The gates then open onto a small yard that is a prime example of ‘stylish’ planting. It has palm trees sticking out of the lava caves, not the usual way anyone would see these floras. The wall-climbing cactus and lush red bougainvillea also beautify even the walls.
The Upperground
The two-story home turned museum has 11 sections. Guests will first walk into the main room called “Personal Collection.” This parlor is a giant bubble decked with Manrique’s private contemporary art collection. Some of the works are by Chirino, Equipo Crónica, Farreras, Guerrero, Gerardo Delgado, Sempere, and Zóbel.
The outdoor pathway to the second room has a panoramic view of the tranquil lava expanse. It is also one of the areas where the roofless swimming pool can be seen. Before heading to the next area, take a moment to admire the sights first.
Fundación César Manrique Pool
Fundación César Manrique Pool – Image Courtesy of H. Zell
“Spaces,” the second room, is all about the maestro’s love for nature. Exhibited are drawings and photos of his works that involve and revolve around it. To get to the next area, guests must cross a corridor of contemporary art from the Canaries and go past the main room.
The third chamber, “Sketches,” is Manrique’s very own bedroom. It is unlike any other, though, as it has the scent and mark of a genuine artist. Amongst his artistic creations displayed are personal drawings, notes, mural sketches, and sculptures.
The Lava Bubbles
Although not exactly a room, the basalt stairway is one of the most unusual parts of the house. It leads to five underground volcanic caves with names according to their themes. The first cave is the “Fountain Bubble.” It is what its name suggests, and the only one not named after a color.
The four other bubbles are parlors named and furnished in different hues. The White Bubble has a palm tree in the center peeking to the outside world through the roof hole. The adjoining Red Bubble is similar but has a dead fig tree instead. This is the same fig three that Manrique noticed while walking on the lava field. From here, visitors can continue to the swimming pool which once had a roof, until it collapsed.
View of the Red Bubble from Above
View of the Red Bubble from Above – Image Courtesy of H. Zell
The next cave is the Black Bubble which has four pillars. Then, the Yellow Bubble which leads to a painting exhibit hall called the “Manrique Collection.” At the end of the gallery is a huge window that gives the illusion that lava has flowed into the building. It also offers a fantastic view of the lava stretch that makes the space look longer than it is.
Before Leaving
It’s going to be hard to part with such a lovely and serene place. To stay a little longer, guests can either have a snack at the cafeteria or drop by the art shop for a souvenir. Stroll around the property again. Its magnificent architecture and landscape deserve one more look.
After a tour of the museum, visitors have greater respect for César Manrique and his works. There’s also a deeper understanding of the concept art in nature and nature in art. How about visiting his Palm Grove House in Haria next? That sounds like a great idea.