It is the world's largest underwater museum, composed of over 500 life-sized sculptures, that can be explored only by diving or snorkeling.
There are two different exhibits within the museum: Salon Manchones, which holds 475 sculptures and is 8m (27 ft.) deep and Punta Nizuc, which offers a shallow snorkeling area about 4m (13 ft.) deep and a semi-submersible boat as an alternative to diving.
FoundationThe project began in 2009 as an effort to protect the endangered Mesoamerican Reef (the second-largest barrier reef in the world) by diverting divers and snorkelers to the underwater museum. Roberto Díaz Abraham, one of the founders of the museum, describes it as an "art of conservation." Each sculpture holds special nooks and crannies that help to support the breeding of marine life while providing a safe habitat.
SculpturesSix artists helped to compose the works found in the museum but most of them are made by Jason deCaires Taylor, also a co-founder of the museum. His work is inspired by local residents from his nearby fishing town but you can also find statues of famous people you might recognize. On the other side, some of his works are a satirical commentary on humanity.
What's most fascinating is that each of his works is built to aid in the protection and understanding of marine life. The sculptures are covered with a marine-grade cement consisting of a PH-neutral surface that promotes coral growth. He allows the plaster to dry before removing it and filling in the remainder of the sculptures. Since they're made with this marine-grade cement, the statues have become covered in algae and coral to make for a stunning sight.
Source:
http://www.businessinsider.com/cancun-underwater-museum-museo-subacutico-de-arte-2015-5Image Source:
http://www.vdpcancunmembers.com/blog/2014/09/08/museo-suacuatico-de-cancun/?lang=es