Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands of Spain, is a place of stark volcanic scenes, incredible beauty and the home of the late Spanish artist, César Manrique. While Manrique died in a car accident in September 1992, his unique and fascinating home has lived on as a museum for all to see and visit.

César Manrique and his home on the island of Lanzarote

César Manrique was born in Arrecife in Lanzarote on April 24, 1919, and went on to study architecture at the University of La Laguna. In 1945, Manrique moved to Madrid, Spain’s capital and was awarded a scholarship by the San Fernando Art School. He graduated from the art school with a degree in teaching art and painting.

In 1964, Manrique moved to New York City, where he spent a couple of years after Nelson Rockefeller awarded him a grant. While there, he painted many of his artistic works before feeling drawn back to his home in Lanzarote.

Here, Manrique designed and built his spectacular and unique home among the lava bubbles before passing away after an accident in 1992. That same year, the César Manrique Foundation was formed to preserve his artistic legacy.

Manrique’s home in Lanzarote

César Manrique’s vision for his perfect home was to live in nature on and among the volcanic rocks in Taro de Tahiche. Some rooms were crafted from lava bubbles, dating back to an eruption in 1730.

The top level of the house looks perfectly “normal,” crafted in the typical architectural style of Lanzarote, with a welcoming garden. However, the lower levels are what make the house unique and fascinating.

Here, the artist used five lava bubbles to create colorful living spaces, including a spacious entertainment and living area, open to the sky and temperate climate of the island with natural light from above

This leads to an outside area with a swimming pool, bar and barbecue, with a dance floor for the many parties hosted by Manrique.

Interior rooms among the lava

In a video included at the end of this page, the viewer is taken on a tour of the various rooms in the home. Each is joined by curved, well-lit tunnels, running from one lava bubble to the next. Meanwhile, two levels are reached by curving stairways, making a fascinating transition through the home.

As can be seen in the video included at the end of the article, the various rooms in the house are joined by curved, well-lit tunnels, running from one lava bubble to the next and the two levels are reached via curving stairways, making for a fascinating transition.

The art of César Manrique

In another room (above), the lava seems to flow directly into the home. Another lava bubble was used to create the artist’s studio, which can be seen just as it was on the day Manrique died. Throughout this unique home, the artist’s work and architectural genius are clear to see.

Meanwhile, visitors can also explore a gallery where some original sketches by popular and famous Spanish artists Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso can be seen. Above ground, the garden of the house features local, natural flora and the garden’s wall has been decorated by Manrique with a colorful mural.

Besides Manrique’s wonderful home, the artist’s work can be seen across the island in the form of several eclectic and iconic sculptures. Most are related to nature and some are made to turn in the wind.

Moreover, the natural environment of Lanzarote was important to Manrique, who was one of the first to recognize the tourism potential of the island. However, unlike the high-rise hotels and apartment blocks so prevalent on the Spanish mainland, he lobbied to keep Lanzarote’s architecture as traditional in style as possible.

According to the César Manrique Foundation’s website, the non-profit organization focuses on the arts and the natural environment in Lanzarote. Funds from entrance fees to Manrique’s home are used to raise awareness of the art, culture, and environmental activities on Lanzarote.

Enjoy a virtual tour of César Manrique’s home in Lanzarote in the video below and be sure to visit when on vacation in the Canary Islands of Spain.