Deep within the Shaviyani Atoll, where the turquoise of the lagoon meets the deep indigo of the Indian Ocean, lies a structure that redefines the boundaries between art, architecture, and environmental science. The Coralarium at Sirru Fen Fushi is not just an attraction; it is the world’s first semi-submerged tidal gallery and a pioneering sanctuary for marine life.
What is the Coralarium? The World-First Tidal Gallery
The Coralarium is a world-first art installation that interlinks the island’s skyline, the inter-tidal waterline, and the ocean seabed.
A Fusion of Art and Nature: Situated in the center of the largest developed coral lagoon in the Maldives, the Coralarium serves as a symbolic portal connecting the terrestrial world to the sub-oceanic realm.
A Structure That “Breathes”: The museum is housed in a six-meter-tall, cuboid-shaped building made of marine-grade, mirror-polished stainless steel. Its walls are laser-cut with natural coral patterns, making them porous to allow tides, currents, and marine life to pass through freely, effectively letting the structure “breathe” in its oceanic location.
Visual Mirage: The high-grade steel is designed to reflect the surrounding blues of the atoll and sky, appearing as a mirage on the horizon that will eventually take on the natural patina of the sea as it is colonized by algae and weathered by the environment.
The Vision of Jason deCaires Taylor: Sculptures with a Purpose
Created by renowned British environmentalist and eco-artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the Coralarium is a site-specific installation that integrates sculpture with marine conservation.
A Living Artificial Reef: Every element is constructed from pH-neutral, low-carbon materials free from harmful pollutants. These surfaces are specifically designed to be colonized by algae and coral larvae, transforming inert structures into textured, living organisms over time.
Human-Coral Hybrids: The gallery features thirty hybrid forms that blend human casts—often of local Maldivian people—with endemic flora such as banyan trees, screw pines, and various coral species. Many works feature root systems, symbolizing humanity’s vital dependence on the natural environment.
Environmental Commentary: Some sculptures include children looking up toward the surface, posing poignant questions about the threat of climate change and rising sea levels for future generations.
Navigating the Gallery: What to Expect During Your Visit
Your journey to the museum begins at the resort’s heart, denoting a direct linear extension of the island into the sea.
The Underwater Pathway: From the starting point at the 200-meter infinity pool (the longest in the Maldives), guests follow a 100-meter submerged pathway. This walkway is “sea-scaped” with underwater “poplar trees” and over 60 coral flower pots containing endemic planted corals.
The Tidal Experience: After a short swim or snorkel of about 50 meters, visitors reach a submerged staircase leading into the semi-submerged building. Artworks are exhibited across three levels: some rest on the seabed, others sit on semi-submerged plinths at differing degrees within the tidal zone, and a series of black silhouetted Jesmonite sculptures occupy the roof, connecting the sky to the sea.
Interior Sanctuary: Inside the 180-tonne stainless steel cube, the design is specifically engineered to dissipate oceanic forces while creating a protective space that encourages nature to seek refuge.
A Sanctuary for Marine Life: Sustainability at Sirru Fen Fushi
The Coralarium is much more than a gallery; it is a critical component of the Maldives’ first and only coral regeneration project in this form.
Biodiversity Hub: The Shaviyani Atoll’s untouched location allows for a flourishing ecosystem. Each sculpture is constructed of over 500 ceramic “starfish” designed to catch biomass and “fish food,” attracting schooling fish, crustaceans, and even octopuses.
Manta Trust Partnership: Guests may encounter manta rays, turtles, and dolphins in the lagoon. The resort collaborates with experts from the Manta Trust, allowing guests to join research efforts and witness manta rays gathering at cleaning stations near the house reef.
Sustainability Lab: This effort is mirrored by the on-site Sustainability Lab, the first resort-based plastic recycling facility in the Maldives. Here, guests can see ocean plastic transformed into bespoke souvenirs like turtle key chains, completing the circle of environmental stewardship.
Practical Tips for Your Underwater Adventure
Guided Snorkeling Tours: Small group tours led by resident marine biologists are available several times daily. Specialists provide briefings on the local species and the artistic inspiration before leading guests through the various “zones” of the installation.
The Night Illumination: In the evening, an integrated lighting system with eight different programs (including themes like “Fire and Ice”) illuminates the Coralarium. This attracts nocturnal marine life and creates a breathtaking view visible from the island shore.
Creative Inspiration: Visitors inspired by the Coralarium can visit the resort’s art studio to create their own marine-themed masterpieces or participate in coral planting to see their contribution flourish over future visits.
