Photo by Jamie Madden on Unsplash (@digitalchild)
Underwater Sculpture Park
Saint George
The Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park, located off the west coast of Grenada, is a pioneering ecological art installation created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Opened in 2006, it is the world's first underwater sculpture park, designed to engage the local community and visitors with the underwater environment. The park features over 65 life-size concrete sculptures, many cast from local people, arranged on the sandy ocean floor at depths between 5 and 12 meters. These sculptures serve not only as artistic expressions but also as artificial reefs, encouraging coral growth and providing habitats for marine life. The park covers approximately 800 square meters and weighs around 15 tonnes in dry cement. It is accessible by boat from St. Georges and Grand Anse Bay and attracts scuba divers, snorkelers, and glass-bottom boat tours daily. The sculptural works, such as the notable "Vicissitudes"-a circle of children holding hands-symbolize unity and the relationship between humans and nature. The park has helped alleviate pressure on natural reefs damaged by hurricanes and has contributed to the designation of the area as a Marine Protected Area. In 2023, the park was expanded with 27 new artworks, including "The Coral Carnival" series, enhancing its cultural and ecological significance.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to explore the park via snorkeling or scuba diving during calm weather conditions for optimal visibility. Booking tours or boat trips in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Entrance fees support conservation efforts and park management. The best time to visit is generally during Grenada's dry season when sea conditions are favorable. Glass-bottom boat tours offer an accessible way to view the sculptures for non-divers and snorkelers.
Faits intéressants
- •The park is recognized by National Geographic as one of the 25 Wonders of the World.
- •Sculptures are made from pH-neutral cement designed to encourage coral growth and marine life habitation.
- •The sculpture "Vicissitudes" features a circle of children holding hands, symbolizing unity and resilience.
- •The park helps reduce tourist pressure on fragile natural reefs nearby, such as Flamingo Bay.
- •The sculptures have become habitats for diverse marine species, including flounder, parrotfish, coral shrimp, and fire worms.
- •The park's creation was a response to hurricane damage to natural reefs in the area.
- •In 2023, the park was expanded with 27 new artworks, including "The Coral Carnival" series.
Histoire
The Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park was established in 2006 by artist Jason deCaires Taylor as the world's first underwater sculpture park.
It was created to engage local communities with their marine environment and to provide an alternative attraction to relieve pressure on natural reefs damaged by hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Emily (2005).
Over time, the sculptures have become artificial reefs promoting coral growth and marine biodiversity.
The park's success contributed to the designation of the surrounding area as a Marine Protected Area.
In 2023, the park expanded with 27 new sculptures, further enhancing its ecological and cultural impact.
Guide du lieu
Vicissitudes2006
A ring of life-size sculptures of children holding hands facing ocean currents, symbolizing unity and natural transformation. These sculptures were cast from local children of diverse ethnic backgrounds.
The Lost Correspondent2006
Depicts a man sitting at a desk with a typewriter surrounded by newspaper articles from Grenada's history before the revolution, reflecting on changing communication methods.
The Coral Carnival2023
A series of 25 sculptural works added in 2023 to expand the park, continuing the theme of marine life and human interaction with the ocean environment.
Contact
Téléphone: (473) 440-2001