Top 15 Most Valuable and Fascinating Underwater Discoveries
11. Underwater Museum of Art in Florida
Estimated Value Today: $6,500 per artist*
Year Disappeared: N/A
Year Discovered: 2018
Situated at Grayton Beach, Florida, the Underwater Museum of Art is a groundbreaking initiative that pays each artist a stipend of $6,500 to create sculptures for its unique exhibition. As the first permanent underwater sculpture garden in America, it showcases a diverse array of art installations set against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.
This innovative museum not only enhances the artistic landscape but also promotes marine conservation, as the sculptures provide habitats for marine life, fostering biodiversity in the area. Visitors can explore this submerged gallery through snorkeling and diving, experiencing art in a way that merges creativity with nature.

The Underwater Museum of Art in Florida
Shutterstock/Rob Atherton
Located 58 feet below the surface and less than a mile from shore, the Underwater Museum of Art is easily accessible for scuba divers and snorkelers. The site’s unique positioning makes it an ideal location for such an innovative attraction, especially given that the surrounding waters consist largely of barren sand flats.
This underwater environment provides a stark contrast to the vibrant art installations, enhancing the visual impact of the sculptures while encouraging marine life to inhabit the area. The museum not only offers a captivating experience for visitors but also plays a crucial role in transforming an otherwise desolate underwater landscape into a thriving ecosystem.