Casa de los Volcanes Museum

Thematic Axis 1. Corona volcanic tube.

The Corona volcanic tube in Lanzarote is a natural wonder that belongs to everyone. Here, visitors can learn about the conditions under which volcanoes appear, volcanic monitoring, theories on the formation of the Canary Islands, and how Lanzarote was formed. Additionally, information on the latest volcanic eruptions in the Canaries, including San Juan Volcano, Teneguía, Tagoro in El Hierro, and the most recent Tajogaite in La Palma, is provided.

Key concepts explored include the volcano, lava, crater, and lava tube—a subterranean volcanic cavity in the form of a tunnel that originates in some lava flows during an eruption. The Atlantis Tunnel, the largest submerged lava tube on the planet, houses unique marine species.

The attraction offers an immersive virtual reality experience to explore the Corona volcanic tube. Through simulation, visitors can dive into the impressive world of the volcanic tube, learning about the tubular rocky structure formed when fluid lava solidifies upon contact with the air. The volcanic system can be explored from the mouth of the Corona Volcano to the sea, discovering its fascinating geology with virtual reality glasses.

Thematic Axis 2. Casa de los Volcanes Geopark.

The second thematic axis focuses on the Casa de los Volcanes and the UNESCO Global Geopark of Lanzarote and the Chinijo Archipelago. The Casa de los Volcanes was the first comprehensive volcanology museum in Spain, and its legacy is honored in this axis. The UNESCO Global Geopark of Lanzarote and the Chinijo Archipelago (2015) is a territory with internationally relevant geological heritage protected by its own development strategy. The significance of this axis lies in showcasing the legacy and geological relevance of the archipelago.

Thematic Axis 3.  Planetary Analogues.

Areas on Earth with visual, geological, geomorphological, mineralogical, geochemical, and astrobiological similarities to other celestial bodies, such as the Moon and Mars. Studying these analogues is essential for understanding processes on other planets and moons and provides a scientific basis for planetary exploration missions.

Lanzarote has established itself as a leading global reference in the study of planetary analogues due to its volcanic characteristics and the integration of water into its landscapes. The study of volcanism is key to understanding the possible existence of life on other planets and the analysis of the past and present habitability of both worlds.

Mars research is based on three fundamental pillars: the characterization of Martian meteorites, space missions to Mars, and the identification and characterization of planetary analogues. The UNESCO Global Geopark Lanzarote and Chinijo Archipelago has become a unique place for Mars research and the search for extraterrestrial life due to its geological and astrobiological characteristics. This makes it a natural laboratory for Mars exploration and a regular training and instruction site for astronauts of the European Space Agency (ESA) within the PANGEA program.