MUSA, the Cancun Underwater Museum was created in 2010 when 200 life-sized sculptures, made of specially formulated, marine-grade cement, were laid at the bottom of a national marine park in the waters between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Last July (2012) the third installation phase of 63 sculptures took place.

All the sculptures change over time as marine life populates them: A girl acquires a fur composed of algae; a starfish implants itself on a nun’s face. A full-size VW Beetle was designed especially to be a lobster homestead. In addition to providing new habitat for sea life, the sculptures draw divers and snorkelers from coral reefs that have suffered from tourism.