Beneath the Waves: Discovering Grayton's Underwater Museum of Art

gulf, grayton beach, Grayton Beach, Water Activities, outdoor & adventure, local spotlight

Beneath the Waves: Discovering Grayton's Underwater Museum of Art

Published on May 14, 2024

Dive into a world where art and the Gulf of Mexico collide!

Imagine swimming alongside awe-inspiring sculptures and historic shipwrecks, each telling a story beneath the waves. Around the world, underwater museums are turning the seafloor into breathtaking galleries that mix art, history, and marine conservation in a way you've never seen before. Among these global treasures, the Grayton Underwater Museum of Art is leading this creative revolution—as the first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the United States!

Dive Into the Underwater Museum of Art

Named as one of 100 “World’s Greatest Places” by TIME Magazine in 2018, the Underwater Museum of Art—also known as UMA—sits 1 nautical mile off the shores of Grayton Beach and nearly 60 feet beneath the surface, boasting 40 extraordinary sculptures that not only enchant divers, but also serve a critical environmental purpose. With its mission to promote marine life conservation through art, the museum transforms works of art into vibrant artificial reefs that become thriving marine habitats and bustling ecosystems that continue to expand and grow. Since its inception in 2018, this award-winning gallery has welcomed both divers and an array of over 80 different marine species, including sea turtles, sharks, octopuses, goliath groupers, and more.

Photo credit is to Spring Run Media and Dive30A.

7 New Sculptures That Are Sure to Make Waves in 2024

The underwater museum is set to grow even further with the addition of 7 new sculptures this Summer! Each one is designed to blend seamlessly into the natural underwater landscapes, showcasing unique themes and inspirations—ranging from maritime folklore and environmental awareness to abstract representations of marine conservation efforts. Learn more about the 2024 Summer art installations below:

Based in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, artist Raine Bedsole explores the concept of the 'vessel' through her sculptures, ranging from boat and figurative works as psychic containers to a series on androgynous female figures embodying the Anima's feminine force, culminating in a vision for an underwater museum featuring a water goddess who harmonizes with sea life, embodying unity with nature, which is also true for "Reef Goddess." See the sculpture here.

Baltimore-based artists Matthew Gemmell and David Showalter draw inspiration from diatoms to create an underwater sculpture for the Underwater Museum of Art, using repeating Platonic solids to mimic the geometric beauty of these microscopic organisms, aiming to blend biology, mathematics, and art into a habitat that supports and celebrates marine life while offering a unique experience for divers at "Deep Sea Three." Check out the sculpture here.

Artist Elise Gilbert explores the philosophical debate of naturalism's inherent perfection through an underwater sculpture of two hands in a yogic symbol for wisdom, inviting viewers to internal reflection and questioning whether the gradual, sea-life-induced asymmetry enhances its harmony and perfection within nature's realm. See the sketch of "Sea How We Flow."

Missouri-based artist Nathan Hoffman's creation, Poseudon's Throne, symbolizes the vacant power of ocean stewardship, challenging viewers to envision themselves assuming this responsibility to reverse the harm inflicted on the ocean, with the throne designed to support marine life, emphasizing coexistence and the potential for renewal. Artist's sketch is available here.

In her piece "Bubbly Barnacles," artist Donna Conklin King explores the paradox of decay and resilience, drawing on the tenacity and natural adhesive strength of barnacles to create a sculpture that, while inspired by their clinging nature, transforms them into inviting habitats for marine life and interactive elements for divers, highlighting their potential for beauty and utility. See how it will look on the Gulf floor.

"Sunken Spores," by artist Ashley Rivers, draws inspiration from her ceramic mushrooms to create a 6' 2" tall concrete and metal mesh sculpture that mirrors the ecological role of mushrooms, facilitating coral and anemone growth to support over 1 million aquatic species, akin to how mycelium enables nutrient sharing and communication in terrestrial ecosystems. See a virtual illustration here.

"Ring My Be" by artist Bradley Touchstone is an interactive sculpture that reimagines an offshore bell buoy, allowing visitors to ring a bell within a solid steel tower adorned with cutout sea life illustrations using a permanently attached striker. See what it will look like here.

Visit UMAFL.org for more information on the timeline and events surrounding UMA’s launch.

How to Visit UMA at Grayton Beach

Exploring the underwater museum is an adventure that combines the thrill of discovery with the beauty of marine conservation. Whether you're a certified diver ready to SCUBA through the depths, a snorkeling enthusiast eager to glimpse the art from above, or someone who prefers to explore from the comfort of their own home, UMA offers something for everyone.

Get SCUBA Certified

To fully immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of underwater museums, obtaining SCUBA certification is a must. Local certification courses near Grayton go beyond mere protocol; professional divers will arm you with the crucial skills for a safe and eco-friendly exploration while also educating you on the critical importance of marine conservation—a value that underpins the very existence of underwater museums.

What to Expect During SCUBA Certification:

· Classroom Learning

· Pool Sessions

· Open Water Dives

· Skill Assessments

· Physical Fitness

Snorkeling is a happy alternative to SCUBA diving.

Try Snorkeling

While the UMA is primarily a destination for SCUBA divers, snorkelers can also enjoy a glimpse of its magnificent underwater installations from the surface. Floating above the museum's sculptures, snorkelers are treated to a captivating view from a comfortable depth as sunlight filters through the water, casting an ethereal glow on the art below. Beginners are encouraged to book a tour in order to maximize fun and safety at the underwater art gallery.

Get SCUBA Certified or Book a Tour:

· Emerald Coast Scuba (Destin)

· Dive30A (Grayton Beach)

Visit UMA.com to visit the Underwater Gallery online!

UMA Interactive Map & Online Exhibit

Want to visit from the comfort of your own home? Many underwater museums, including UMA, offer virtual tours or galleries on their websites. These digital dives provide a glimpse into the serene underwater world and showcase the sculptures and marine life that inhabit the museum.

Start Your Underwater Tour Now:

· Online Art Exhibit

· UMA Interactive Map

Preparing for the Plunge at UMA

Check Weather Conditions: Begin by checking the local weather and sea conditions for Grayton Beach. Ideal conditions include calm seas and good visibility, typically found during the Summer months. This helps you stay safe!

Book a Guided SCUBA Tour: Whether you’re a seasoned diver or newly certified, booking a guided SCUBA tour to the museum enhances your experience. With regular trips directly to the site, guided tours not only ensure safe navigation through the museum's installations, but also provide insightful commentary on the artworks and their impact on marine biodiversity.

Book at guided SCUBA tour if you are new to the UMA.

Rent SCUBA gear before arriving on your Grayton Beach vacation.

Equipment Rental: Need gear? Local SCUBA centers near Grayton Beach offer comprehensive equipment rental options, from tanks and regulators to wetsuits and fins. Make sure to book your equipment rental in advance!

Familiarize Yourself with the Museum: Before your visit, take some time to learn about the museum's mission by listening to the artist’s stories, seeing high-definition photos or videos, and more. It will enrich your understanding and appreciation of the art pieces below!

Navigating the Underwater Gallery

Go with friends and family to explore the Underwater Art Museum.

Navigating this spectacular underwater gallery for the first time is an unforgettable experience that demands respect and mindfulness toward both the art and its marine life.

4 Things to Remember as a First-Time Visitor:

First and foremost, remember that the sculptures are arranged in concentric circles, encompassing 40 total pieces. This layout is designed not just for aesthetic appeal, but also to facilitate marine life habitation.
Always have a plan for your entry and exit. Before you jump in, make sure your entry and exit points are clear and safe, avoiding any risk of damaging the site or harming the marine life.

3. Avoid touching or leaning on the sculptures, as oils and residues from human skin can affect the water quality and the sculptures' surfaces, hindering their purpose as artificial reefs. Maintain a comfortable distance from the artwork to prevent accidental damage.

4. Use the buddy system whenever possible. It's important to always have a friend with you, both for exploring the gallery and keeping an eye on the boat.

Head to the Grayton Beach for a Spectacular Time

The Grayton Underwater Museum of Art invites you and your loved ones to a unique adventure, weaving together the splendor of art with the marvels of the underwater world. It's more than a destination to admire art; it's a magical space where families and friends can come together. For places to stay near Grayton Beach, explore our remarkable vacation homes on the Emerald Coast and start making memories today!

Book now!

Explore Similar Articles