The César Manrique Foundation is located in the studio-home that the artist lived in, situated in Taro de Tahiche (Lanzarote). I visited in August 2016, while on holiday in Lanzarote. We were staying in nearby Costa Teguise and it was convenient to travel there and back by public transport. I would thoroughly recommend a visit.
Until his death in 1992, Manrique was a passionate campaigner for the preservation of the island’s landscape, promoting its traditional architecture and seeking to avoid the eyesores which tarnish the vistas in the tourist hotspots on Gran Canaria and Tenerife. As a result of his work, in 1993 the island was awarded Unesco Biosphere Reserve status, although more recent construction work has put that status in some doubt.
Built in 1968 on top of a volcanic trail from an eruption which occurred in 1730-36, Manrique’s home is probably the work that best represents his artistic and personal ideals. The outside of the house and upper level is an inspiration from the traditional architecture of Lanzarote. In the lower level, it uses the natural formation of five volcanic bubbles to make a stunning living space at one with the landscape. I particularly loved the way in which some of the windows were framed to link the indoors with the surrounding volcanic views.
My daughter and I took it in turns to visit. We decided, rightly, that it was not suitable for boisterous youngsters to be let loose in!
In terms of accessibility, it is not suitable for wheelchair users. In order to move from room to room, you need to navigate through quite narrow corridors and steps.
