MUSAN (Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa)

If you thought museums were quiet buildings where people whisper and stare at paintings… MUSAN in Ayia Napa will surprise you.

Here, the exhibits live underwater, the visitors wear masks and fins, and instead of polished floors, you’ll find the Mediterranean Sea.

The MUSAN (Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa) is one of the most unique attractions in Cyprus — an underwater sculpture park where art, marine life, and adventure meet.

Whether you snorkel or dive, visiting MUSAN feels like stepping into a surreal underwater gallery.

Let’s dive in!

What Is MUSAN?

MUSAN stands for Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa, and it’s exactly what the name suggests — a museum beneath the sea.

Opened in 2021, this underwater installation features dozens of sculptures placed on the seabed, forming an artificial underwater forest.

The project was created to combine art with environmental conservation, encouraging marine life to flourish while giving visitors a unique experience.

Instead of walking between sculptures, you swim through them. It’s basically the only museum where getting wet is required.

The Artist Behind the Underwater Forest

The sculptures were created by world-renowned underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, famous for his underwater museums worldwide.

Taylor designed MUSAN as an underwater forest of human figures and trees, symbolizing the relationship between people and nature.

The sculptures are made from marine-friendly materials so coral and marine organisms can grow on them over time.

In other words, the museum keeps evolving — nature is literally part of the exhibition.

What You’ll See Underwater

Once you enter the water, the scenery feels almost surreal.

You’ll find:

• Human figures walking through the “forest.”

• Children playing among underwater trees

• Photographers capturing imaginary moments

• Sculptures are gradually becoming home to fish and marine life

Over time, algae, coral, and small sea creatures begin to cover the sculptures, turning the installation into a living reef.

It’s part art gallery, part nature reserve.

Snorkeling vs Scuba Diving at MUSAN

One of the coolest things about MUSAN is that you don’t need to be a diver to enjoy it.

Snorkeling

Most visitors explore MUSAN by snorkeling. The sculptures sit at a depth of around 8–10 meters, but visibility is so good that snorkelers can clearly see many of them from the surface.

Scuba Diving

Divers can descend to the sculptures and swim between them, experiencing the underwater forest up close.

If you’ve never tried snorkeling over an art museum before, this is your chance.

Why MUSAN Is More Than Just Art

MUSAN was designed with a strong environmental mission.

The sculptures act as an artificial reef, encouraging marine life to settle and grow.

Over time, the installation becomes part of the ecosystem, helping biodiversity in the area.

So when you visit, you’re not only enjoying art — you’re witnessing nature slowly transform the sculptures.

Where MUSAN Is Located

MUSAN sits just off the coast near Pernera Beach, a short distance from the center of Ayia Napa.

The site is easily accessible by boat or from the shore, depending on the tour.

The water here is usually calm and clear, which makes it perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Because the site is protected, visiting with a guided snorkeling or diving tour is the best way to experience it.

Tips Before You Visit MUSAN

A few useful tips before jumping into the underwater gallery:

• Bring a snorkeling mask or diving gear

• Use reef-safe sunscreen

• Avoid touching the sculptures or marine life

• Go in the morning for the clearest water

• Book a tour in advance during the summer

During peak season, MUSAN tours can fill up quickly — especially when the sea conditions are perfect.

Book a Snorkeling Tour to MUSAN

The best way to experience MUSAN is by joining a guided snorkeling tour that takes you directly to the underwater sculptures.

Our tours include equipment, guidance, and safe access to the museum so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Reserve your MUSAN snorkeling tour through our website with a small deposit, and pay the remaining balance on the day of the tour.

It’s the easiest way to secure your spot and explore one of the most unique attractions in Ayia Napa.

Trust us — museums are much more fun when you swim through them.