The LagOmar Museum: An Artistic Oasis in the Volcanic Landscape of Lanzarote

Lanzarote, part of the Canary Islands, lies in the Atlantic Ocean. Since 1993, it has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Its soil is volcanic, with the popular tourist place Timanfaya National Park. But natural beauty is not the only thing worth visiting. The island has a unique architectural landmark made by Spanish artist and sculptor César Manrique Cabrera. He is also the author behind the famous house of Omar Sharif, today known as the LagOmar Museum.

César Manrique

Manrique was born in the capital city of Lanzarote, Arrecife in 1919. He studied architecture for two years at the University of La Laguna but decided to quit. Manrique later traveled and lived in Madrid and New York. When he returned to Lanzarote, he wanted to establish an art colony to protect the island from poor development planning ideas. It looked like Manrique was against tourists, but that was not the case. After he died, supporters formed a nonprofit organization. It gives tourists access to their homes, and the island uses the money from ticket sales to raise awareness about the island’s art.

LagOmar Museum

LagOmar Museum is also known as Omar Sharifs House. His authors are César Manrique and Jesús Soto. According to sources, Omar Sharif visited Lanzarote while shooting the movie The Mysterious Island. He fell in love with the house and bought it, but local legend says he lost it within 24 hours of purchasing a gambling game.

LagOmar Museum is a house caved in from a volcanic rock on the slopes of an ancient volcano on a hillside. Its authors tried to adapt to the curves of rocks and caves.

Since 1977, the place has operated as a museum with a lovely location and great panorama views.

After you enter, an oversized central swimming pool is in the middle. From it, you can access stairs and look inside the rooms. The place has a little labyrinth feeling but with some greenery accent. The mixture of green palms, turquoise water in the pool, white walls, volcanic soil, and rocks makes a beautiful and strong contrast. The place is excellent for portrait photography. Next to the main pool is a tunnel with rocks, you can access and get lost in it for a while.

Although it makes such an impression, the house is not very big. You will need about an hour to explore it all. But be aware that it might get quite hot on a sunny day. Particular elements make it more like a magical place, with gathering areas, unique decorations, geometric shapes, sculptures, and great views.

The inner part consists of the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom, all accessible to visitors. However, it might not be as interesting as the outdoor areas.

Practical Information

The museum’s bar and restaurant are open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. The adult ticket fee is 10 EUR.

It lies in a small traditional village, Nazaret. There are around 100 residents living in white houses. The best way to access it is by car or taxi. But if you want to try public transport, bus number 7 from Arrecife goes there. Some other lines that pass near LagOmar Museum include 9, 10, 14, 26,  31, 33, 52, and 53. Here is a picture with timetables from the bus stop in Nazaret. You must walk up the hill from the bus stop for about 15 minutes. A small grocery shop is on the way, in case you need something.

If you’re captivated by Lanzarote’s artistic and natural wonders, don’t miss Lobos Island, a hidden gem just a short trip away. Check out my article, “The Photogenic Allure of Lobos Island in the Canary Archipelago,” to discover why this island deserves a spot on your itinerary, too!