City plans museum beneath the sea
Underwater tourist attraction off coast of Marseille could 'open' in June 2017, if scheme wins government approval
VISITORS to Marseille next summer could take a tour of a new tourist attraction - but only if they are prepared to get wet.
Plans are being developed to open France's first underwater museum eight metres below the surface of the Anse des Catalans. Organisers already have the approval of the city, department and region - and are now waiting State approval for the plan.
They hope to be able to 'open' the museum as soon as June 8, 2017 - the date of next year's World Ocean Day.
The driving force behind the scheme, Anthony Lacanaud, said he was inspired by the underwater sculptures of Jason deCaires Taylor, who has already displayed underwater art off the coast of Grenada and Cancun.
Mr Lacanaud said that the artist would display 15 works of art at the venue. Over the next three years, 45 works - including those by other artists - will be on show.
The art on display under the waves is created using a pH-neutral cement that does not upset the sea's delicate ecosystem. The works also become artificial reefs for local flora and fauna.
The museum will be free - but visitors will have to take diving lessons before they can admire the sculptures. Organisers hope to develop links with local diving schools to attract as many visitors as possible.
Monaco is also reportedly planning to create an underwater museum.
