Are you passionate about art and unusual architecture? The César Manrique Foundation awaits you in the heart of Lanzarote. Housed in the artist’s former residence, built right in the middle of a lava flow, it embodies the dialogue between the volcano and human habitation that was so dear to Manrique. We were captivated by the ingenuity of this place, which combines volcanic bubbles, a swimming pool, and a collection of contemporary art.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the César Manrique Foundation?
Is the César Manrique Foundation worth a visit? Our opinion:
Yes, the César Manrique Foundation is definitely worth a visit! We loved this house, built atop a lava flow, where five volcanic bubbles have been transformed into living spaces. The result reflects a symbiosis between people, art, and nature. It’s one of César Manrique’s best attractions.
Why is the César Manrique Foundation famous?
The Foundation owes its reputation to César Manrique himself, a painter, architect, and sculptor born in Lanzarote, who profoundly transformed the island’s landscape by advocating for a respectful dialogue between architecture and nature.
This house, known as Taro de Tahíche, was his home for 20 years, from 1968 to 1988, and, in our view, represents the most accomplished expression of his creative philosophy. In fact, the German architect Frei Otto described this place as a unique project, unlike any other.
Our favorite moments
We’ll take away three particularly memorable moments from this visit:
- The discovery of volcanic caves connected by tunnels carved into the rock, each decorated in its own unique style.
- The turquoise pool nestled in a hollow of black lava—a contrast we were sure to capture in photos.
- The painter’s former studio, now a gallery, which houses part of his personal art collection.
- The window is letting water into the house!
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Directions and Map: César Manrique Foundation, Tahíche
Where is the César Manrique Foundation located?
- In the village of Tahíche, in the municipality of Teguise, in central Lanzarote
- Travel time from Arrecife: 10 min
- Travel time from Costa Teguise: 10 min
- Travel time from Puerto del Carmen: 15 to 20 minutes
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there?
The car is still the easiest way to get to the Foundation. From Arrecife, take the LZ-1 highway north, then follow the signs to Tahíche: the Foundation is well marked.
There are also bus routes from Arrecife via Line 01, but the schedules and frequency still need to be confirmed.
Parking
There is a parking lot right next to the Foundation’s entrance.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best Time to Visit and Length of Visit
The Foundation welcomes a large number of visitors in the morning, particularly between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., when organized groups tend to arrive in large numbers. We therefore recommend that you choose a time slot early in the day or after 3:00 p.m. so you can explore the area at a more leisurely pace. At this time of day, the number of groups decreases significantly, and the experience becomes more peaceful.
Allow about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes on site (check the duration), to explore the traditional floor, the volcanic bubbles on the lower level, the garden, and the exhibition hall.
Main difficulties
The tour includes numerous staircases as well as narrow passages carved into the volcanic rock, particularly in the tunnels connecting the chambers. As a result, accessibility for people with limited mobility remains limited in certain underground areas.
Advice on how to visit
The direction of the tour is indicated inside the Foundation. The tour traditionally begins on the upper floor, where the living spaces have been recreated in the style of Lanzarote’s traditional architecture. You will then head down to the lower level to explore the volcanic bubbles, the pool, and the garden, before finishing up in the painter’s former studio, which has been converted into an exhibition hall.
Visiting with children
We have not identified any educational programs specifically designed for children within the Foundation. The trail, dotted with staircases and narrow tunnels, will particularly appeal to the most curious visitors.
Schedules and rates
- The César Manrique Foundation is open every day (including holidays) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The ticket office closes at 5:00 p.m., and the evacuation of the venue begins at 5:20 p.m. The Foundation is closed on January 1.
- The admission prices are as follows: €10 (full price), €3 (children ages 7 to 12).
- Latest news on the official website here.
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A house formed from a lava flow
Upon his return to Lanzarote after a stay in New York, César Manrique walked through the lava fields surrounding Tahíche in search of a plot of land. It is the green tip of a fig tree, emerging above the black rock, that catches his attention: it marks one of the five large hollows carved out by the flow of lava in 1730–1736, formerly known as “Los Jameos de las Palomas.”
Rather than viewing this lava flow as an obstacle, the artist sees it as the ideal place to build his home. We find this anecdote revealing of his vision: transforming a natural constraint into an architectural asset. The building covers 3,000 square meters on a 3-hectare property and, in our view, marks Manrique’s first major project on his native island.
The Traditional Floor
The upper floor of the house draws direct inspiration from Lanzarote’s traditional architecture, which Manrique enhances with decidedly modern functional elements: large windows, spacious rooms, and overhead lighting. There, you’ll discover light-filled living rooms that offer striking views of the surrounding lava fields.
We appreciated the contrast between the white walls—typical of the island’s homes—and the darkness of the volcanic basalt that is everywhere inside. In our view, this interplay between tradition and modernity, raw materials and contemporary comfort, perfectly encapsulates Manrique’s artistic approach. It is also from this floor that visitors first get a sense of the vastness of the volcanic terrain on which the entire property stands.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities
- Dolphin watching
- Buggy / Quad
- Kayak excursion
- But also: Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic, Catamaran outings, Paddle excursions, Parasailing
Volcanic bubbles: the heart of the home
On the lower level, Manrique makes use of the five natural volcanic bubbles to create a living space that is as surprising as it is unique. These caverns, connected by narrow white tunnels carved into the rock, house several rooms, each decorated in its own unique style.
Take a walk through these passages to experience the unique coolness of the volcanic rock, which contrasts with the heat outside.
The Red Living Room and the Black Living Room
Among the volcanic bubbles that have been transformed into living spaces, the red living room and the black living room are among the most photographed areas on the tour. We were surprised by the intimate atmosphere that reigns in these caves, where natural light, streaming in through small openings in the rock, plays a key role in creating the scene.
These salons once served as reception rooms for Manrique, who entertained his family and friends there, as well as artists visiting the island. One of the bubbles—the largest one—even houses a living fig tree that continues to grow in its center, proof that nature has never been fully subdued by architecture. You’ll also notice how the simple, functional furniture follows the irregular shapes of the rock rather than clashing with them.
The Pool and Relaxation Area
One of the most iconic features of the property is undoubtedly the turquoise pool, nestled among the lava fields. We liked the way this pond interacts with its rocky surroundings, nestled between black rock and dense vegetation.
The garden surrounding this space, which is both compact and well-maintained, combines large volcanic slabs with lush vegetation that softens the mineral-rich atmosphere. You’ll also notice striking contrasts between the inorganic and the living—between volcanic ash and fruit trees protected by “socos,” the island’s traditional windbreaks.
The Studio That Became a Gallery
As you head toward the exit, you’ll come to the painter’s former studio, which has been converted into an exhibition space dedicated to his paintings. This final section of the tour concludes the visit on a more intimate note, focusing on Manrique’s daily artistic practice.
The Contemporary Art Collection
The property’s former garage has also been converted into an exhibition hall, this time dedicated to César Manrique’s private art collection. There, we discovered a collection of Spanish paintings as well as exhibits that illustrate the artist’s connections to the art scene of his time.
You’ll also come across sculptures, murals, and chimes scattered throughout the property, which reflect the artist’s playful spirit. The conversion of this space into a gallery was overseen by Manrique himself, a few months before his death in 1992, which gives this place a special significance as his final legacy.
A garden carved into the rock
The gardens surrounding the house extend Manrique’s exploration of the dialogue between architecture and nature. We invite you to observe the contrasts that emerge here: the darkness of the lava, the texture of the volcanic ash, and the subtle presence of local vegetation clinging to the rock.
These outdoor spaces, designed as a natural extension of the interior rooms, offer a better sense of the scale of the 3-hectare lot on which the entire property is situated. Immerse yourself in this mineral-like atmosphere before heading out again to explore Manrique’s other works scattered throughout the island.
History in brief
The history of the César Manrique Foundation is inextricably linked to that of its founder. Here are the key dates to remember:
- 1730–1736: A series of volcanic eruptions covered northern Lanzarote with a thick lava flow, including the Tahíche flow.
- 1966: César Manrique, a painter, architect, and sculptor native to the island, returned permanently to Lanzarote after a stay in New York.
- 1968: He had his house built directly on top of the lava flow, making use of five natural volcanic bubbles to create the rooms on the lower level.
- 1968–1988: Manrique lived in this house for 20 years; it was the home where he lived the longest.
- 1982: Together with a group of friends, he founded the César Manrique Foundation as a nonprofit cultural organization.
- 1992: A few months before his death, Manrique personally oversaw the conversion of his home into a museum. The Foundation established its headquarters there that same year.
Frequently asked questions
Who was César Manrique?
César Manrique (1919–1992) was a painter, architect, and sculptor born in Lanzarote. Upon returning to his native island in 1966 after a stay in New York, he devoted his entire life to promoting development that respected Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape, advocating for the fusion of architecture and nature rather than their opposition.
How long did César Manrique live in this house?
César Manrique lived in this house in Tahíche for 20 years, from 1968 to 1988. This is the home where he lived the longest during his lifetime, before moving into his final home in Haría.
Are there other houses designed by César Manrique that we can visit in Lanzarote?
Yes, the César Manrique House-Museum is also open to visitors in Haría, in the northern part of the island. Manrique lived there from the late 1980s until his death in 1992. Some combination tickets allow you to visit both houses, but you should check the official website for exact prices before your visit.
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