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First underwater museum in the US to be built soon

Listen to this article The first underwater museum in the United States will open in the summer of 2018, according to US media reports. The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) have announced that they intend to work together to create an Underwater Art Museum in

ByTomasz Andrukajtis

Published: December 22, 2017 - 08:19

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 16:13

First underwater museum in the US to be built soon

Listen to this article

The first underwater museum in the United States will open in the summer of 2018, according to US media reports. The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) have announced that they intend to work together to create an Underwater Art Museum in Florida.

The latest attraction at Grayton Beach, one of the most popular beaches in South Walton. For good measure, it is to consist of seven sculptures by various artists. Among them will be a tribute to Jaques Cousteau’s first aqualung. However, this is only the first phase of the project and there are plans to expand with further installations.

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The creators ensure it will be an art museum, but their project also aims to give a boost to local flora and fauna. The installations placed underwater are to act as an artificial reef that will help develop underwater life and become a habitat for many species. The chosen location is 90% just a sandy, unattractive wilderness at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico.

[blockquote style=”2″]”It’s great that we will be able to raise people’s awareness of marine ecosystems through art. The water in this area is less than 20 metres deep, so it will mainly be an attraction for divers, but freedivers, surfers, paddleboarders and snoorkelers will also benefit from our project.” – Said Andy McAlexander, president of the South Walton Artificial Reef Association.[/blockquote]

Although this will be the first underwater museum in the US, those behind its creation are full of optimism. Looking at the popularity and impact on the flourishing of underwater life in similar facilities around the world, the creators are confident that this will be no different.

The titles of the first 7 installations and the names of their authors have already been announced. They will be “Propeller in Motion” by Marek Anthony, “Self Portrait” by Justin Gaffrey, “The Grayt Pineapple” by Rachel Herring, “JYC’s Dream” by Kevin Reilly in collaboration with students from South Walton Montessori School, “SWARA Skull” by Vince Tatum, “Concrete Rope Reef Spheres” by Evelyn Tickle, and “Anamorphous Octopus” by Allison Wickey.

Source : culturalartsalliance.com

About author

Tomasz Andrukajtis

Editor-in-chief of the DIVERS24 portal and magazine. Responsible for obtaining, translating and developing content. He also supervises all publications. Achived his first diving certification – P1 CMAS, in 2000. Has a degree in journalism and social communication. In the diving industry since 2008.