Cancun’s newest attraction, the Cancun Underwater Museum, introduces an art aesthetic to the conservation movement. The museum is comprised of various series of sculptures, installed within the protected national marine park, located on the west coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. When it is complete, it will feature more than 400 concrete sculptures making it the world’s largest underwater museum.

At a cost of more than $350,000, the project, developed by the Cancun Nautical Association, Isla Mujeres Nautical Association together with the National Marine Park Authorities, has been put into place to help conserve coral reefs by diverting tourists away from habitats along the natural coral reef.

"Basically what happened is that some areas have been damaged by the recent hurricanes, and those areas need to be closed or reduce the number of visits," says Roberto Diaz, president of underwater museum and president of the Cancun Nautical Association. "We are creating a magnet for having more tourists into the area without damaging the coral reefs."

The sculptures are located in clear shallow waters to afford easy access by divers, snorkelers and those in glass-bottomed boats. Each individual work of art will be life-sized and will consist of themed galleries such as "The Silent Evolution."

Since last November, Phase 1 of the project included the sinking of three works under the supervision of artist and underwater sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor, including sculptures "Dream Collector," "Man on Fire" and "The Gardener of Hope." The museum seeks to promote, among other things, the philosophy of conservation, as with the "Dream Collector" sculpture, which contains bottles with messages of hope sent from around the world.

"We have been working on the concept for over a year and a half," says Diaz. "This is something that positions Cancun not only as a place to visit for natural reef access, but also for good culture."

Most of the sculptures contain cavities to attract fish. In addition, natural corals and sponges will start colonizing on the sculptures, according to Diaz.

"After two to three years they will be living creatures; they will look awesome," Diaz says.

The first installation of 200 sculptures is scheduled to be installed in June with the remainder of the 400 by the end of the year.