Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor has introduced his latest work, the “Sculpture Coralarium” in the Maldives. This is the world’s first semi-submerged art gallery, according to deCaires Taylor, and the Maldives’ first underwater museum.

The British artist has exhibits in Cancun, the Bahamas, Grenada, Lanzarote (Spain) and England, but this marks his first venture into the Indo-Pacific.

The Coralarium is based on the island resort Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, just off shore. The 20-foot-tall sculpture breaks through the water’s surface, but changes with the tides. The walls of the structure are designed to “breathe,” allowing marine life and the water to freely pass through while snorkelers can explore inside. The work also features a coral pathway with more than 60 coral pots growing 200-plus cuttings of staghorn coral.

Check out these facts on the new installation, and scroll down for more photos of the piece or watch the video above for a better look.

Used to Create the Coralarium ...

• 180 tons of architectural elements
• 66 marine grade stainless steel panels
• 432 square meters of laser cut stainless steel
• 10 hybrid-organic sculptures on plinths
• 6 fully submerged sculptures on the seafloor
• 6 rooftop sculptures
• 6 fully submerged popular trees seaming coral pathway
• Coral pathway with over 60 coral flower pots growing over 200 cuttings of staghorn coral