The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) welcomed its first visitors to the ‘Coral Greenhouse’ this weekend past. The exhibit is situated two hours off the coast of Townsville, Australia and is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
The museum was due to open in April to divers and snorkelers.
The Coral Greenhouse is one of four exhibits, according to Travel and Leisure. ‘Ocean Siren’ is the only exhibit visible from land. The statue is of a 12-year-old member of the local Wulgurukaba people.
Using LED lights, the statue changes colour based on the temperature of the reef it is situated on, symbolic of climate change and its impact on the ocean. Blue indicates a safe temperature while dark red represents a critical warning of the temperature. The remaining two exhibits will be finished in 2021.
The museum is situated nearly 18m underwater on the ocean floor of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park’s John Brewer Reef, according to Travel and Leisure.
‘Our vision is to create a global art attraction which tells the stories of the land, people and environment; provides significant economic benefit to the local economy and builds the capacity of operators and businesses within the local tourism industry,’ said the official website of MOUA.
Artworks from world-renowned sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor are showcased in the MOUA. A structure measuring just over 12m has 20 statues of students working with coral, alongside sculptures of umbrella palm, eucalyptus and other flora. The piece weights 64 tons in total.
Speaking to CNBC Taylor said: ‘When we talk about reefs, we’re very much talking about what we’re leaving for younger generations. I also wanted to encourage more youth into marine science and into exploring and understanding the underwater world.’ Taylor used to be a scuba diving instructor, according to Travel and Leisure.
The materials used are corrosion-resistant and the cement is pH-neutral. Taylor explained to The Guardian that the structure creates an environment that is optimal for filter-feeding organisms as well as for schools of fish to gather. He also hopes that octopuses and sea urchins will make a home of his artwork.
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Image credit: Instagram/ @moua_museum_of_underwater_art
