Underwater Treasures

Florida’s Most Unique Museum

By Lian Pickens | Photography courtesy of Walton County Tourism

The Underwater Museum of Art, located in the Gulf of Mexico off the shore of South Walton, Florida, is a unique blend of art and marine conservation. It provides a rare and extraordinary opportunity to experience talent in a setting unlike any other. Established in 2018, the museum is the first of its kind in the United States, offering a fascinating underwater experience where the Gulf of Mexico and art collide. The UMA is part of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County’s Art in Public Spaces Program, a broader initiative aimed at enriching the cultural landscape of South Walton by offering public art installations in various forms.

Situated just off Grayton Beach, the UMA features an array of sculptures created by artists worldwide. The pieces that line the seafloor aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they are designed with an ecological purpose. This innovative approach provides a unique artistic experience for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts and contributes to the health of the local marine ecosystem. Over time, these pieces evolve into artificial reefs, fostering marine biodiversity and helping restore the natural coral reefs that have been impacted by pollution, climate change, and other environmental challenges.

South Walton artist Alison Wickey’s Anamorphous Octopus was one of the first sculptures deployed as part of the inaugural Underwater Museum of Art.

Each year, new models are carefully selected and added to the museum by artists from around the world, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. Recent 2024 installments include works by artists such as Nathan Hoffman, whose piece Poseidon’s Throne symbolizes the power we yield and how we must work together for our worlds to coexist, and Ashley Rivers, whose sculpture Sunken Spores allows growth, new habitats, and nursery grounds. The 2024 sculptures brought a diverse array of works that explore various themes related to environmentalism, the ocean, and the delicate balance between nature and human influence.

The 2024 deployment marked the second livestream event, a significant milestone that continues to widen the museum’s global reach by offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the sculptures are placed on the seafloor, as well as the importance of their role in marine conservation. For the first time, the deployment had live commentary from Walt Hartley, the president of the South Walton Artificial Reef Association, who provided insights into the environmental impact of the sculptures and the ongoing efforts to restore local ecosystems. These new additions continue to draw attention to critical environmental issues while providing a stunning visual experience.

The upcoming 2025 sculpture deployment promises to be another exciting chapter in the UMA’s story, with five new designs set to be added to the museum’s collection. Nathan Hoffman will return with a piece titled The Neptunian Oak, inspired by the majestic and resilient oak tree. Hoffman’s sculpture will feature a hollowed-out trunk that will allow marine life to inhabit and explore its grooves. The sculpture is designed to echo the function of trees on land by producing oxygen through photosynthesis. Jessica Bradsher’s UMA design, Seahorse, is created to spark the imagination and embody the belief that anything is possible if you can dream it into existence. The seahorse, a symbol of grace and resilience in the marine world, will serve as both an artistic and environmental beacon. Other sculptures, including Concretion, Happy Hour, and Hometown, will continue to bring attention to the importance of community and connection through the formation of new habitats and fostering the sense of togetherness that humans share with the natural world.

For those who are passionate about marine life and art or simply looking for an extraordinary adventure, the Underwater Museum of Art is a must-see destination. By combining beauty with ecological impact, the UMA is not only a groundbreaking institution but also a testament to the power of art to inspire change. It reminds us that art can transcend boundaries and has the power to transform both our perceptions and our world.

The Underwater Museum of Art is an immersive experience that celebrates the synergy between human creativity and the natural environment, creating a legacy that will continue to flourish beneath the waves.

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Visit UMAFL.org or follow the Underwater Museum of Art on Instagram @umaflorida to see more and plan your visit.