Cesar Manrique was born in the north of the island before travelling to study fine arts in Paris, Madrid and New York. He visited Gran Canaria on his return to Lanzarote and was shocked by the high rise buildings he saw there and didn't want the same thing to happen to Lanzarote.

Along with some influential people he had met in Madrid he managed to convince the authorities that nothing should be built over four stories high and all buildings should be painted white with natural wood or paint work in either green or blue.

He designed many of the major tourist attractions including the Jameos del Aqua and the Mirador del Rio. His home in Tahiche he created out of an underground labyrinth in a lava field.

The Foundation was created by Cesar Manrique and a group of friends in 1982. It is a private, non-profit making cultural foundation. It is now located at the artist's impressive home.

The museum itself contains many of the artist works as well as some fascinating mirror effects.

This was one of the highlights of the trip for me. Seeing how he created the rooms to complement the natural landscape is extremely interesting and makes for a beautiful home.