Discover the work of César Manrique in Lanzarote

26 years after his decease in a car accident in 1992, the legacy of the genius painter, sculptor, architect and designer of spaces is still very much alive in Lanzarote. César Manrique gives shape to the notion that the existence of human beings existence makes sense only when integrated as a part of nature and not against it.

At Lanzarote Experience Tours we have picked the most important works of César Manrique in Lanzarote, this selection represents a mandatory visit for all interested in architecture, arts, and ecology.

Manrique made sure the Jameos del Agua was a multi-purpose, versatile location, and so an auditorium and a restaurant were integrated as part of the project. The Jameos del Agua is a place where visitors can walk through the tunnels, listen to music at the auditorium, and eat at its restaurant. A genuine example of ecological, forward-thinking architecture that makes the most of a creation of nature without ruining it.

2. Mirador del Río

Mirador del Río scenic overlook, located to the north of Lanzarote, is a highlight of César Manrique’s work in Lanzarote. Built seamlessly into the volcanic rock of the top of a cliff, it’s completely integrated with its environment. Inside, round shapes prevail (as straight lines do not exist in nature) and natural light reigns supreme.

3. The Wind Toys

The work of César Manrique is not limited to architectural works, the brilliant canarian artist also created mobile sculptures: the Juguetes del Viento (Wind Toys) interact with the natural environment and graciously move with the wind.

You may observe several of these Wind Toys in various spots over Lanzarote such as the roundabout in Tahíche, the César Manrique Foundation, the Avenida de las Playas roundabout in Puerto del Carmen or at the Guacimeta Airport.

4. Volcano House in Tahíche (César Manrique Foundation)

After a four-year stay in New York, César Manrique felt the need to distance himself from large cities and came back to his native island, Lanzarote. One day while wandering the volcanic landscape of the island, he stumbled upon a set of large caves extending underground, these were caused by ancient volcanic eruptions that took place in different periods of the history of Lanzarote.

Manrique was fascinated by the natural rock formation, which seemed to invite him to take shelter inside. After his death, the extraordinary Casa del Volcán (volcano house) he had built there became the location for the foundation that carries his name.

The house of César Manrique in Tahiche represents an homage to its original inhabitant and to the very island of Lanzarote. Its wonderful, particular architecture, elegantly integrated into the volcanic rock amazes all visitors and incorporates both modern and traditional elements from the landscape and culture of Lanzarote.

5. The Cactus Garden

The fusion of tradition and modernity is characteristic of the public oeuvre of César Manrique in Lanzarote. This notion is perceived clearly in the Cactus Garden, a beautiful little park created by the artist and his team and located in the village of Guatiza. Here, the cactus is the star, the emblematic plant of arid landscapes is seen in more than 450 varieties brought in from all over the world.

An interesting fact: at the park’s cafe you will have the chance to try a cactus hamburguer, spines not included!

6. El Diablo Restaurant

At the Islote de Hilario, and located within Timanfaya National Park, one of the most striking volcanic landscapes in the world, visitors can enjoy a pleasant lunch at the El Diablo restaurant. It was conceived by Manrique in 1970, as part of the improvements and renovations done in the park.

El Diablo is a very unique restaurant built with volcanic rock and a large glass window to the lunar landscape of Timanfaya. Its most striking feature would be that the kitchen takes advantage of the intense underground heat to cook the food. The bond between Timanfaya and the fire of the Earth is clearly represented by the park’s logo: a devil designed by César Manrique himself.

If you feel like exploring Manrique’s vision, we offer the César Manrique Experience Tour. where you will visit his best works on Lanzarote.