Cannes Underwater Museum – the first of its kind in France
For 4 years, the artist Jason deCaires Taylor has been working on creating the 6 sculptures that connect the tale of Cannes’ soul and the well-founded myth of Saint-Marguerite.
Aside from the first underwater museum in France, Jason deCaires Taylor has produced other phenomenal works underwater like in Mexico. See these on the artist’s website here.
Dress code swimming trunks
The sculptures are located at a depth between 3-4 meters in the sea, close to the coast on the south side of the island of Saint-Marguerite. The site is now cordoned off for boats, which makes it safe for “visitors” to explore this exciting installation, which is located just below sea level.
The local soul and the myth
The 6 sculptures are based on portraits of living residents of Cannes from different professions and ages. For example, a sculpture of an 80-year-old fisherman and another of a 9-year-old schoolboy.
Each face is divided into two parts. One part of the face looks like a mask and connects to the myth of the imprisoned prisoner with the iron mask on Saint-Marguerite, and the other connects to the performing arts, which is also a major theme for Cannes through the annual Film Festival on the Croisette
Hear the artist’s own words about the whole process
In this video, artist Jason deCaires Taylor takes us on a journey from the first visit to Cannes to the finished installation 4 years later.
How to get to Saint-Marguerite and the Cannes Underwater Museum
There are boat trips from Cannes, Golf-Juan and Nice. Read more about the possibilities in the article about sailing trips to the Lérins islands.
By Tommy Sverre – 2022
CityXee recommends these tours from Cannes
- All
- Art
- Boat trips
- Castles and palaces
- Churches & chapels
- Events
- Excursions
- Markets
- Monuments
- Museums
- Ports & Islands
- Squares & Promenades
Monuments Statue of Lord Brougham – Cannes’ “father”
Few have meant as much to Cannes as the English aristocrat and politician Lord Henry Brougham, whose statue adorns the basin of the avenue de la Liberté.
Events The International Film Festival in Cannes
The Cannes Film Festival is known worldwide and one of the most important film awards in the film industry. Was founded in 1939 and can celebrate its 75th birthday this year.
Squares & Promenades Le Suquet – The old town
Here in the heart of old Cannes, the city shows its true soul. Here you find Le Suquet – the old town – a medieval area nestled on the hilltop of Mont-Chevalier. With its cobbled alleys, is one of Cannes city-must-xee places.
Boat trips Boat trips to Lérins Islands
If you want to visit the fantastic islands of Lérins, Saint-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, you can sail there from Nice, Cannes and Golfe-Juan respectively.
Castles and palaces Fort Royal & “The Man with the Iron Mask”
At Fort Royal, the legendary Man with the Iron Mask was imprisoned for 11 years. Today, the fort houses the Cannes Sea Museum and is a city-must-xee gem.
Squares & Promenades La Croisette Promenade
The promenade at La Croisette is one of the most valued experiences in Cannes – it is the gathering point for mythical hotels, the casino, the Film Festival and…
