César Manrique Foundation

In Tahíche, the César Manrique Foundation is located, dedicated to preserving, studying, and promoting the artist's work. This foundation also fosters culture, art, and the environment through exhibitions, lectures, and publications.

In 1968, upon returning from New York, César Manrique began building this unique home amidst a river of cold, black lava caused by the eruptions of 1730 and 1736. He lived here until 1988, and today it is the headquarters of the foundation that bears his name.

The upper floor is a faithful reflection of traditional Lanzarote architecture, to which Manrique incorporated modern elements such as large windows, curved spaces, winding hallways, and open expanses. On this level were the living room, kitchen, and a sitting room—now referred to as the Espacios room—where his private collection of important works by other Spanish artists of his generation can be found, including works by Miró, Chillida, Tàpies, Picasso, and others.

The adjacent Bocetos room corresponds to the former bedroom, an invitation for guests, and a bathroom. Today, visitors can observe sketches of projects that were completed or never came to fruition—further proof of Manrique's creative capacity.

The underground level is perhaps the most spectacular part of the building. This space takes advantage of areas formed by five natural volcanic bubbles, which the artist connected with appealing hallways carved through the hard volcanic lava. Each space is aesthetically decorated with its own dominant color. At the center of these bubbles is a jameo (a volcanic cave without a roof) featuring a small swimming pool with crystal-clear water, an original garden, a barbecue, a bread oven, bathrooms, and even a small dance floor adorned with works by Manrique himself.

In this recreational area, lush vegetation blends with imposing cacti that seem to touch the sky.