Brazil’s First Saltwater Underwater Museum Opens in Guarujá

Brazil’s first saltwater underwater museum is now open in Guarujá, on the coast of São Paulo. The site features 15 sculptures placed on the seabed off Guaiúba Beach, adding a new attraction to the area’s tourism offering.

Created by visual artist Adélio Sarro, the works have been installed 8.5 metres below the surface. Some of the sculptures weigh more than 3 tonnes and stand up to 2.45 metres tall.

Visitors can view the museum while diving, from a boat or by kayak. The project was created by the São Paulo State Department of Tourism and Travel in partnership with Guarujá City Hall.

According to those behind the initiative, the aim is to bring together tourism, culture and activities connected with the marine environment in one visitor destination.

Brazil’s first saltwater underwater museum in Guarujá

The collection creates a submerged route at Guaiúba Beach, becoming part of São Paulo’s coastal tourism offer and marking the establishment of the country’s first saltwater underwater museum.

Sculptures were made for installation at sea

Adélio Sarro produced the 15 pieces in around one month, with support from his team. Technical feasibility studies for placing the works in a marine setting were carried out before production began.

The artist said the sculptures were designed to turn the seabed into an exhibition space for visitors diving in the area.

“Through the works, the seabed has become an art gallery accessible to those who dive. I am very happy that, through my art, people will be able to experience a complete sensory immersion in a place that already has an enchanting landscape,” says Adélio.

The pieces have been arranged across a submerged area of Guaiúba Beach.

Collection features historical figures and characters associated with the sea

Among the sculptures installed at the museum are depictions of notable Brazilian historical and cultural figures. The collection pays tribute to painter Cândido Portinari, inventor Santos Dumont and poet Oswaldo de Camargo.

The exhibition also includes sculptures of Saint Francis of Assisi and engineer Fernando Lee, who was responsible for transforming Ilha dos Arvoredos, in Guarujá, into an open-air laboratory.

Maritime identities represented in the underwater collection

Alongside these historical figures, the museum includes characters linked to the region’s cultural and maritime identity. These include representations of an Indigenous person, a pirate, a surfer, a fisherman, a sailor, a mermaid and a dockworker.