Christian Honerkamp is a unique artist living and working on Lanzarote since 1993. He has studied Fashion Design in Bielefeld and once finished he never stopped looking for new inspiration. Therefore he gathered knowledge as costume designer in various TV and Theatre productions in the years 1987 till 1989. Before finding his long term center of life on the island of Lanzarote he worked also in Fashion Design and Costume Design jobs.
The colors of the volcanoes and the colorful marine life around the unique island of Lanzarote is reflected in Christians work. Powerful underwater pictures, romantic heart series, Angel wings and impacting volcano landscapes will fead your imagination.
The artist’s technique include ink, gold leaf on cardboard as well as acrylic paint with picón (lava ash) on linen.
His gallery is open for visits every Sunday from 14h to 18h in Tinguatón. Stop by and soak up the energy of his pictures and get one for your own walls back home. Christian also does lovely unique jewelery.
César Manrique is Lanzarote, Lanzarote is César Manrique
This sentence is the beginning of the text about César Manrique in the Müller‘s tourist guide about Lanzarote – and if you are on the island, you will quickly notice how correct this is…
Life
There are only a few others that shaped the island of Lanzarote as much as the artist César Manrique. Manrique was, among other things, committed to continue the development of Lanzarote in the traditional style and to abstain from buildings that are higher than an adult palm.This measure has largely kept away the mass tourism from Lanzarote and Lanzarote was not plastered with hotels.
César Manrique was born on 24 April 1919 in Arrecife, Lanzarote. He went to school in Lanzarote and graduated to a civil engineer degree at the University of La Laguna in Tenerife. In 1945 he attended the School of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid, where he earned champion for drawing and painting in 1950. In 1964, Manrique was awarded a scholarship from the International Institute of Art Education for the study of American art in the United States. But in 1968 he returned to Lanzarote and as an old family friend, Pepin Ramirez, was president of the island’s government, Manrique’s ideas had an influential supporter and Manrique was able to convert most of his proposals.
On 25th of September 1992 César Manrique was killed in a traffic accident close to his fundación in Tahiche.
Manrique’s traces can be discovered in many streets and squares of the island
– especially in the roundabouts you come across his sculptures and wind chimes again and again.
Other works outside of Lanzarote
1971 – COMPLEJO Visiting Museums, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
1982 – LA Vaguada (Dirección Artística), Madrid
1989 – MIRADOR DE LA PEÑA, Valverde, El Hierro
1990 – BMW ART CAR
1991 – Mirador del Palmarejo, Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera
1992 – Playa Jardin, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
The former home of César Manrique in Haría was opened as a museum in 2013.
Since most works of Manrique are large visitor attractions, it is advisable -in case you travel alone- to visit these in the afternoon, as the large tour groups have usually already been gone.
If you plan to visit several properties of Manrique, it is advisable to buy tickets for 4 to 6 visits which are offered by the Centro de Arte, Cultura y Turismo. You can buy them at every sight at the cash desks.
Centro de Visitantes in the Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote
At first glance the landscape of Lanzarote appears barren, hostile and desert-like. In order to discover exactly what this unique and fascinating island has to offer, you should visit the ” Centro de Visitantes ” right at the beginning of your holiday.
The “Centro de Visitantes” offers a wide range of information, including computers from which you can learn about volcanic eruptions, flora and fauna of the National Park – Timanfaya.
In addition, there’s an outside short circular walk through lava rocks with a view towards The Fire Mountains.
If you just want to sit back in cozy theater seats, then enjoy a fantastic film about the flora and fauna of Lanzarote, in the small auditorium of the centre.
As a highlight, watch the animation of a volcanic eruption. Over loudspeakers in different languages upcoming demonstration are announced. A guide will pick you up and escorts you to the screening room. The ground beneath you trembles, steam rises ,the smell smoke permeates the air, and from a volcano, lava appears to flow.
After the screening, a guide is available with more information about the series of volcanic eruptions on Lanzarote during the period between 1730 and 1736.
Unfortunately this only in Spanish. Therefore, ask for more information when you arrive at the entrance. Friendly guides are available and will give you information in different languages.
The “Centro de Visitantes” is also interesting for children. In the action area, the smallest visitors can enjoy the setups with all senses.
If you’re travelling by car take the LZ -67 through the Timanfaya National Park, past The Fire Mountains to the Visitors Centre. Due to the lack of sign posts, the Visitors Centre appears abruptly on the left. The white washed building stands in stark contrast to the black lava rocks. Parking is free.
The former residence of architect and artist César Manrique in Haría, where he spent the last few years until his sudden death, has been a popular tourist attraction for locals and tourists since 2013.
It offers you a good insight into the life of the famous artist, who played a major role in the painting of the island of Lanzarote.
Since 2013, this building, ” César Manrique’s house ” also known as the Palm House, has been a museum.
Already in 1986 he started to design and build this property.
He renovated this old and run-down farmhouse, which he had already bought in the 1970s and created the surrounding area by keeping the natural atmosphere as lively as possible.
His modern visions of aesthetics and comfort have been combined with traditional architecture.
Unfortunately, Manrique could only experience the place until his accidental death in 1992, near the Fundacion Cesar Manrique in Tahiche.
Today the César Manrique’s house in Haría offers us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the life of this famous artist for a while.
You can move freely through the rooms and also a part of the palm garden is accessible for visitors.
Most of the furniture and things that César Manrique used during his work as an artist are exactly as he had left them on the day of his death on September 25, 1992. The whole property – house, the atelier and the garden, separated from it, convey a particularly quiet and cosy atmosphere.
In the workshop where the artist painted back then, the original scenario can be seen.
Colours, tables with drawings, easels and unfinished paintings were stored as César Manrique left them.
There are also many information materials about César Manrique’s work and his extraordinary life.
A very interesting film shows deep insights into his special character.
It is therefore advisable to allow sufficient time during a visit to the César Manrique Museum.
Opening hours and entrance fees
The César Manrique Museum in Haria is open daily, except on public holidays.
open from 10:30 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Last admission at 5:30 pm
Admission: 10 €
Children up to 12 years: 1 €
Combination + César Manrique Foundation in Tahíche: 15€
Available at the Residence – Museum (Haría)
and at the César Manrique Foundation (Tahíche)
Phone: +34 928 843 138 webpage of César Manrique’s house in Haría
Castillo „San José“, Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo in Arrecife, Lanzarote
This small picturesque castle is situated above the port of Puerto de los Mármoles in Arrecife. Prompted by the Spanish King Carlos III, it was built between 1776 and 1779 and only served to provide work to the local builders – not for the purpose of defence. Therefore, it obtained the name Fortaleza del Hambre (Hunger Fort). In the beginning of the 70s, the restoration of the castle was induced by César Manrique and a museum was rebuild. He also built a classy restaurant in the castle with a great view over the harbor and the sea. In the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo many Spanish works of modern art can be found – some of Manrique.
The Foundation César Manrique was originally the home of the artist; he discovered the land for himself when he saw a fig tree sticking out a subterranean lava bubble on a walk through a lava field. He then decided to purchase the property. However the owner, thinking the land is worthless, gave it to him for free. With the construction of his house and the integration of the five volcanic bubbles, Manrique brought nature and art in an impressive manner in line. Today the foundation shows like a museum how the artist lived and how he combined natural landscape with enthusiastic art.
You find the foundation 2 km south of Tahiche. At a roundabout, turn west and take the road to San Bartolomé. The Foundation is signposted. After about 200m you meet the large parking lot.
Approaching from LZ 1, follow the signs for Jameos del Agua, shortly before you’ll see a signpost for Cueva de los Verdes. Guided tours begin on the hour, sometimes more frequently depending on the influx of visitors. Tours are held both in Spanish and in English. However the English translation unfortunately is only a brief summary of the more informative Spanish version.
As you leave the heat, light and noise of the surface, and descend fifty meters into the cool, dimly lit, and watery underworld, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a different reality. This is a one-hour magical adventure through the underground cave system filled with light and sound installations.
Cueva de los Verdes translates as The Green Caves or Caves of the Greens?, which they are not. The name of the cave system dates back to the Verde family, who in the 17th century discovered the caves and used them as a hiding place from pirate attacks. Your imagination will run wild as you meander through the winding labyrinth of caves, feeling as though you’re journeying to the centre of the world.
During the tour you’ll be taken to the Auditorium – a spacious cave with excellent acoustics and a small stage, seating 200-300 people. Every few weeks classical concerts are held. Sit comfortably back and listen to quiet background music. At the end of the tour there a surprise, but you needn’t worry it’s not pirates.
In the summer months (July-September) it is recommended for individual visitors to visit The Green Caves in the afternoon, so that crowds can be avoided.
The street LZ 202 provides a direct link to the northern most point of Lanzarote, Mirador del Rio. If approaching from Cueva de los Verdes or Jameos del Agua, a short detour along the coast is recommended. Take LZ 1 towards Órzola and enjoy the beautiful coastal route. Just before Órzola is the beach – Charca de la Novia, gently sloping and sandy, perfect for families with small children. In the shallow water they can safely run around. The contrast between the white sand, the black lava rocks and the bright turquoise blue of the water, is astounding.
From the small town Órzola, Mirador del Rio is signposted and easy to find. Without the signs posts and parked cars, it would be easy to the miss this work of art. Merged with nature – natural rock formations, Manrique yet again created harmony and balance. At the heart of Mirador del Rio is a large hall, flooded with light through enormous windows. There is also a small cafe. Like a magnet, one finds oneself attracted to the light – the windows, where a spectacular view over the neighboring island of La Graciosa awaits – a perfect place to sit at a table enjoy a coffee and the breathtaking views.
From the terrace one has an even better view of “La Graciosa” and also of the salt fields of El Río. As if on a silver platter, the island with 700 inhabitants presents itself. Just two kilometers from Lanzarote and a 20 minutes crossing from Órzola, the village of Caleta de Sebo, one of the two inhabited villages on La Graciosa is visible.
Gaze a little further into the distance, you’ll see 3 more islands, all uninhabited – Montaña Clara, Roque del Oeste and Alegranza.
On the upper floor of the Mirador lies the souvenir shop, light-filled and beautifully designed.
Is it possible to receive a discount, if you buy a ticket for more than one sightseeing object on Lanzarote. Which sights are included and which combinations are possible are described to you at the entrance to Mirador del Rio.
To reach César Manrique’s Jardín de Cactus take LZ – 1 towards Órzola and turn right shortly before Guatiza. Jardín de Cactus is well sign posted. Before visiting The Cactus Garden, you may well think that cacti are just spiky, boring and unattractive plants. However The Cactus Gardenis a plethera of diversity and beauty. More than 1400 different species of cacti from all over the world, are showcased at Jardín de Cactus.
Paved pathways lead you through the cactus labyrinth, where all plants are named and the country of origin stated. In a variety of colors, the desert flowers gleam like jewels in a competition. The cacti present themselves in the most bizarre shapes and forms, sometimes as flowers, that you’re tempted to smell, and sometimes as a chair, you feel like sitting on. Stroll through the beautifully laid out complex, past small lily ponds and streams that meander through the otherwise barren landscape.
Under the shade of a giant sail, enjoy the cafeteria, or climb up to the small windmill, which is definitely worth it – one has a wonderful view over the entire Cactus Garden, and also with a bit of luck you might experience the miller processing corn into flour.
In the summer month (July, August and September) it is recommended to visit Jardín de Cactus in the afternoon if you are going there as individual visitors. In the morning many touristic groups are visiting the Cactus Garden in Guatiza.
Tinguatón 19 – 35560 – Mancha Blanca – Tinajo Lanzarote
Works
Works
At first glance the landscape of Lanzarote appears barren, hostile and desert-like. In order to discover exactly what this unique and fascinating island has to offer, you should visit the ” Centro de Visitantes ” right at the beginning of your holiday.
Already in 1986 he started to design and build this property.
