During your visit to the island of Lanzarote, you will be accompanied at every step by the legacy of the most famous Canarian architect, César Manrique. You can read about his life and work in a separate article here on the blog. Of course, if you are on the island, the best introduction to his life and work will be provided by two places associated with his name.
Both places are directly related to his life and work. The place where he mainly spent his free time is known as the House in the Palm Grove (Casa del Palmeral) in the city of Haría. Unfortunately, he did not enjoy its beauty much. Today it houses the Casa-Museo César Manrique. The original house in which he lived after returning from America is the House of Volcan (Casa del Volcán). The name itself perfectly describes the environment in which the house is located. The house is located in the middle of a lava field in the village of Tahíche near Arrecife. It currently houses the César Manrique Foundation.
Casa del Palmeral
The house is located in the middle of a beautiful palm grove in the picturesque town of Haría in the north of Lanzarote, where the traditional way of life of the island is still preserved. In Haría, the artist found peace and contact with nature, which he valued so much.
Manrique began construction work on his new home in 1986. As a base, he used and modified an old ruined farmhouse located on a farm he acquired in the 1970s. When modifying it, he tried to get as close as possible to traditional architecture combined with modern visions. The main feature of the house is aesthetics and comfort. Manrique lived in this house until 1992, when he tragically died in a car accident. In 2013, the house was opened to the public as Casa-Museo César Manrique. Its tour allows you to get to know the private spaces and workshops where the painter worked and spent the last years of his life.
Through two courtyards, you enter César Manrique’s impressive world of personal effects, utensils, found objects and handicrafts. All this in a space characterized by the nobility of materials with characteristics of good taste. Lush outdoor and indoor vegetation contributes to the creation of a peaceful and pleasant environment. The workshop, isolated from the house, shows the original environment where he painted daily, surrounded by paints, sketches, easels and unfinished paintings, preserved as the artist left them when he died.
In this house you have the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience in a peaceful natural environment. A truly unique world that will allow you to get closer to the most human side of this great artist born in Lanzarote.
(the article continues below the gallery)
Casa del Volcán
The César Manrique Foundation is housed in a unique and magnificent house designed by César Manrique after returning from New York when he decided to settle permanently in Lanzarote. The artist lived in this house for 20 years, from 1968 to 1988. The house is located in the middle of a lava flow left by large eruptions between 1730 and 1736. The 3,000 square meter building is located on a 30,000 square meter plot. The building represents an incredible combination of volcano and architecture.
The upper floor is inspired by the traditional architecture of Lanzarote, in which Manrique was able to incorporate with great sensitivity modern functional elements such as large windows, generous spaces or ceiling lighting. It is the large windows that create a feeling of connection between the interior and the exterior of the house and fascinating views.
In the underground floor, Manrique used five natural volcanic bubbles, which he connected through tunnels. Thus, a unique place was created in it, connecting the life of man with nature. In addition to a number of nooks and crannies providing plenty of privacy, you will also find a swimming pool, a small dance floor and, of course, a grill. Everything is complemented by lush vegetation and ubiquitous basalt.
The last space, located near the exit, is the painter’s old studio. Today it has been converted into a gallery of César Manrique paintings. The gardens that surround the house are a wonderful example of the fascinating contrasts of vegetation, artwork, including colorful murals, the darkness of lava and volcanic ash. Visiting this house will definitely be an exceptional experience for you.
(the article continues below the gallery)
A few words about the foundation
The César Manrique Foundation was founded by César Manrique in 1983. Its activities began after his death in 1992. It is a private, non-profit cultural institution that bases its activity on four complementary areas of work: César Manrique, Fine Arts, Environment and Territory and cultural reflection.
The goals of the foundation’s activities are enshrined in its charter. The main activity of the foundation is:
- preserve and expand the artistic legacy of César Manrique;
- support exhibitions and other artistic initiatives that aim to create a balanced relationship between art and nature;
- support activities that focus on the protection of the natural environment and spatial planning not only on Lanzarote but also on the other Canary Islands;
- support the creative activity and critical thinking of young artists with an emphasis on preserving the natural character.
Did you like this article, was it useful to you? You can also support the creation of this website by sending any amount to ES08 0049 5735 1122 1616 5370, swift BSCHESMM. Include “Canaria Guide Support” in the note. Thank you for supporting.
