You can trace the origins of LagOmar’s fame to actor Omar Sharif, whose brief connection with the property turned into one of Lanzarote’s most enduring stories. The tale mixes fact and legend, linking Sharif’s visit, a fateful card game, and his time filming The Mysterious Island of Captain Nemo on the island.
The Story Behind Omar Sharif’s Ownership
When you visit LagOmar Museum, you step into a place once linked to one of cinema’s most recognisable figures. Omar Sharif, known for films like Doctor Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia, came to Lanzarote in the early 1970s.
He discovered the house while working on the TV mini-series L’île mystérieuse. The property, carved into volcanic rock in the village of Nazaret, impressed him with its unusual design by César Manrique and Jesús Soto.
Sharif reportedly bought the home soon after seeing it. The building’s natural caves, tunnels, and terraces reflected Manrique’s vision of blending architecture with the island’s rugged landscape.
Although Sharif’s time as owner was brief, his name became permanently tied to the house, giving it a mystique that continues to attract visitors today.
The Famous Bridge Game
According to local legend, Omar Sharif lost LagOmar in a single evening during a game of contract bridge. The story claims that shortly after purchasing the property, he played cards with one of the developers, who happened to be a professional bridge player.
Sharif, a skilled player himself, supposedly wagered the house and lost. Whether this event truly happened remains uncertain, but it has become part of the museum’s identity.
You can find references to this story displayed throughout the site, adding a playful sense of history to the visit.
The bridge tale may be myth, but it captures the spirit of chance and charm that defines the place.
Connection to The Mysterious Island
Sharif’s link to LagOmar began while filming The Mysterious Island, a television adaptation of Jules Verne’s adventure novel. The production took place in Lanzarote, whose volcanic scenery provided a fitting backdrop for the story’s otherworldly setting.
During filming, Sharif visited Nazaret and discovered the home that would soon bear his name. The property’s cave-like design and natural stone matched the island’s cinematic landscape.
You can still sense that connection when exploring the museum today. The setting feels like a film location frozen in time, where art, architecture, and legend meet in a single dramatic space.
This link between Sharif’s work and LagOmar adds cultural depth to what might otherwise be seen as just a beautiful house.
Architecture and Design of LagOmar Museum
LagOmar Museum combines natural volcanic formations with human creativity, forming a structure that blends art, architecture, and geology. You experience a space where design respects the land’s contours, showing how Lanzarote’s environment shaped both the form and function of this unique site.
Integration with Volcanic Landscape
LagOmar sits within a former volcanic quarry in the village of Nazaret. The museum’s architecture follows the natural shape of the cliffs and lava rock, creating a structure that feels carved rather than built.
You notice how whitewashed walls, stone pathways, and cave-like rooms merge with the black and red tones of the surrounding rock. This combination reduces visual impact and helps the building appear as part of the hillside.
Water features and small gardens soften the rugged terrain. Pools, tunnels, and terraces connect through narrow passages that encourage exploration. The design also uses natural ventilation and light, keeping spaces cool and bright without heavy construction.
This harmony between architecture and geology defines LagOmar’s lasting appeal.
Influence of César Manrique and Soto
Artist and architect César Manrique, with collaborator Jesús Soto, shaped LagOmar’s design philosophy. Their work reflected the idea that buildings should adapt to nature rather than dominate it.
You see Manrique’s influence in the flowing lines, organic shapes, and use of local materials. Soto contributed technical skill, especially in lighting and spatial design, ensuring that the natural rock formations remained central to the experience.
Both artists drew inspiration from modernist and surrealist movements. They used contrast—smooth white plaster against rough volcanic stone—to highlight the island’s textures. Their approach turned the former quarry into a liveable sculpture that balances art and environment.
LagOmar’s design mirrors Manrique’s broader vision across Lanzarote: sustainable architecture that preserves the island’s volcanic identity.
Unique Features and Artistic Elements
As you move through LagOmar, you encounter a series of architectural and artistic details that make the space distinctive.
Curved stairways, arched doorways, and stepping stones over water lead you through different levels of the property. Each area reveals a new perspective of the quarry and surrounding landscape.
The museum includes art galleries, a restaurant, and open-air areas for cultural events. These features maintain the site’s original character while giving it new purpose.
Lighting plays a key role. Natural light filters through openings in the rock, while subtle artificial lighting enhances texture at night. Sculptures, ceramics, and design accents reflect Manrique’s artistic language, combining function with visual simplicity.
Every detail shows how art and architecture can coexist within nature without overwhelming it.
Visiting LagOmar Museum in Lanzarote
You can explore a striking example of Lanzarote’s volcanic architecture, see how art blends with nature, and enjoy a peaceful setting that once belonged to actor Omar Sharif. The site combines design, history, and leisure in one compact location.
Location in Nazaret
You’ll find LagOmar Museum in Nazaret, a small village near Teguise in the centre of Lanzarote. Its hillside position gives you wide views of the island’s volcanic landscape.
Driving from Arrecife, the island’s capital, takes about 15 minutes along the LZ‑20 road. Signs in Nazaret clearly mark the route. If you prefer public transport, buses run from nearby towns, though schedules can be limited.
The museum sits inside a former quarry, carved into volcanic rock. Its whitewashed walls and natural stone tunnels create a cool, sheltered environment. Parking is available near the entrance, and tickets can be bought on site.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Nazaret, Municipality of Teguise, Lanzarote |
| Opening Hours | Daily, 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Last Entry | 17:30 |
| Entry Fee | Adults €10 / Children €8 / Under 2 Free |
Museum Highlights and Artefacts
LagOmar blends art, architecture, and geology. You walk through caves, tunnels, and terraces built into the hillside. The design uses local stone and natural forms to create smooth curves and shaded spaces.
The museum displays artwork by local and international artists, often inspired by Lanzarote’s volcanic scenery. Sculptures, paintings, and installations appear throughout the property rather than in a single gallery.
You can also see references to Omar Sharif’s brief ownership, including photos and stories about how he allegedly lost the house in a card game. The setting reflects the influence of César Manrique and Jesús Soto, who designed it to merge with the island’s terrain.
Bring comfortable shoes, as the paths include steps and uneven surfaces. Some areas are open air, so sunscreen and water are useful.
Dining and Events at LagOmar
Inside the museum, the LagOmar Restaurant serves local and Mediterranean dishes. You can eat on terraces surrounded by rock walls and small pools. If you visit later in the day, the La Cueva Bar opens from 18:00 to 01:00 and offers cocktails in a cave‑like setting.
The venue also hosts cultural events such as art exhibitions, small concerts, and private gatherings. Its natural acoustics and lighting make it a popular site for evening performances.
A small gift shop near the exit sells local crafts and prints, giving you a chance to take home a reminder of Lanzarote’s artistic culture.
