Everything you need to know about the Tulum Statue at Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park.
Tulum has long been a magnet for artists and creatives from around the globe. Its pristine beaches, lush jungles, and rich cultural heritage provide an idyllic backdrop that inspires artistic expression and spiritual exploration.
Over the past few years, Tulum has solidified its reputation as a hub for spiritual arts, attracting a diverse array of talents who seek to merge creativity with consciousness. Since the inaugural Art With Me festival in 2018, Tulum has blossomed into a vibrant center for contemporary art, drawing thousands of visitors who come to experience its unique blend of natural beauty and artistic innovation.
One of the most iconic installations to emerge from this burgeoning scene is the “Ven a La Luz” sculpture by Daniel Popper, now a celebrated fixture at the Ahau Sculpture Park, part of Ahau Collection.
I’ve been traveling to Tulum for years and have seen the town grow from a small, coastal village to the vibrant destination it is today. With a background in art history, join me as I delve into the cultural significance of the “Ven a La Luz” Tulum sculpture, explore the artist behind the masterpiece, and provide insights into visiting this and other artworks at the Ahau Sculpture Park.
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What is the Ven a La Luz Tulum Statue?
The “Ven a la Luz” sculpture, created by renowned South African artist Daniel Popper, stands as a mesmerizing tribute to the fusion of nature and creativity in Tulum, Mexico.
Unveiled during the inaugural Art With Me festival in 2018, this colossal piece, towering over 33 feet (10 meters) high, features a gender-free figure gracefully opening her chest to reveal a lush, verdant sanctuary within.
Crafted from wood and other organic materials, “Ven a la Luz”- which translates to ‘Come into the Light’- embodies themes of interconnectedness and transformation, inviting viewers to reflect on the harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Its title, Ven a La Luz, or Come into the Light, is almost an invitation. An invitation to step into a space of enlightenment, to explore the inner sanctum of nature and self-awareness, and to embrace the transformative power of art that transcends the ordinary.
The sculpture’s intricate design and symbolic resonance have cemented it as a cultural landmark, drawing art enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and Tulum visitors to its serene embrace.
It not only highlights Popper’s exceptional talent for large-scale installations but also underscores Tulum’s growing reputation as a vibrant hub for contemporary art and more ecological consciousness.
Who is Daniel Popper?
Daniel Popper is a distinguished South African artist celebrated for his monumental sculptures and immersive installations that often explore themes of nature, humanity, and interconnectedness.
Born and raised in Cape Town, Popper has garnered international acclaim for his ability to create large-scale works that blend artistry with structural ingenuity. He currently resides in Cape Town, where he continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art.
Among his notable works were the “Modem Swamp” installation at Electric Forest in Michigan, a striking piece that combined wood, steel, and foliage to create a surreal, otherworldly experience.
Another significant work was “Human+Nature,” a series of towering sculptures displayed at the Morton Arboretum in Illinois, which underscored the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world.
Popper’s work is celebrated worldwide, gracing festivals, public spaces, and art exhibitions, captivating audiences with their profound symbolism and breathtaking scale.
The Tulum Statue Backstory
Commissioned for the first Art With Me festival in 2018, the sculpture was designed by Daniel Popper to embody the festival’s ethos of art, music, and environmental consciousness. The piece was constructed and placed at the entrance of the Ahau Tulum hotel, symbolizing a gateway to a transformative experience.
Popper’s creative process involved meticulous planning and collaboration with local artisans. Using sustainable materials such as wood, rope, and greenery, the sculpture was crafted to blend with the Tulum jungle.
The figure’s outstretched arms and open chest, revealing a lush garden, represent a welcoming embrace, inviting visitors to reconnect with nature and themselves. Its placement at the Ahau entrance was deliberate, serving as a beacon of light and a symbolic entrance to a space dedicated to harmony, creativity, and sustainability.
Over the years it attracted more and more travelers who came to see the full-sized Tulum statue which became a symbol of the Tulum beach strip.
Why was Ven a La Luz Moved?
The “Ven a La Luz” sculpture, originally a centerpiece at the entrance of Ahau Tulum Hotel and Raw Love Cafe, was moved due to the increasing influx of visitors and the resulting environmental impact on the surrounding area.
As the sculpture’s popularity soared, it attracted a large number of travelers, which led to concerns about traffic safety on the one-lane Tulum Beach road, littering, and the overall strain on the local ecosystem.
To mitigate these issues and help prevent any safety hazards on the rather narrow Tulum Beach Road, it was decided to relocate the sculpture to a more controlled environment where it could be better managed and large queues could be better controlled.
The move aimed to ensure that “Ven a La Luz” could continue to inspire and educate visitors without compromising the delicate balance of Tulum’s coastal landscape.
The “Ven a La Luz” Tulum Sculpture was moved in September 2021 and following extensive restoration works after the damaging effects of Hurricane Grace, it moved to its new home at Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park in late October 2021.
Visiting the Tulum Statue at Ahau Sculpture Park
The “Ven a La Luz” Tulum Statue still lives very close to its original location on Tulum Beach Road and you’ll still find it on hotel Ahau Tulum’s premises. The only major difference now is that it’s housed in its own gated Sculpture Park, for which you need to pay a small fee (60 pesos/$3) to visit.
This nominal entry fee supports the maintenance and preservation of the artwork and the park, ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a serene atmosphere where the sculpture’s intricate details and majestic presence can be fully appreciated without the constant passing traffic.
The Sculpture Park also features other notable works by various artists, each piece thoughtfully positioned to complement the natural beauty of Tulum and the ideas behind Popper’s work. As you wander through the park, you can enjoy shaded pathways and tranquil gardens.
The park occasionally hosts art workshops, cultural events, and guided tours, offering visitors deeper insights into the artistic and environmental themes that the sculptures embody. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a curious traveler, the Ahau Sculpture Park provides a unique opportunity to connect with contemporary art in a setting that celebrates the harmony between human creativity and the natural world.
Ahau Tulum is one of the best luxury resorts in Tulum, and Ahau guests get complimentary access to Ahau Sculpture Park as part of their stay. They also have one of the best beach clubs in Tulum, so it’s worth booking a stay. This is where I stayed on my last trip.
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How to get to Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park
Reaching Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park or Tulum Art Walk as it’s also known, is straightforward and convenient and best done so when already in Tulum.
Located on the Tulum Beach Road (Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila), the park is easily accessible by car, bike, or taxi. If you’re staying in Tulum’s downtown area, it’s a short 15-20 minute drive along the scenic coastal road, however parking on the beach strip is difficult so you might be better off by taxi or even bicycle.
If you’re staying at another hotel on the beach strip, you can simply walk to Ahau Tulum along the beach or cycle along the beach road.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park is open daily from 9am- 6pm.
Due to the Tulum statue’s popularity, you most likely will have to join the queue to take a photo with it. With a 1 minute per person rule it tends to move fairly quickly. If you’re not fussed about taking a photo with the statue, you can easily photograph it from various angles, as I did above, without having to queue. If you’re staying at Ahau, just pop by early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Afterwards, in the Tulum statue location there’s plenty to enjoy. You can savor a healthy lunch at the nearby Raw Love Café, known for its fresh, organic offerings and relaxing ambiance.
Alternatively, spend the afternoon unwinding at the Ahau Beach Club, where you can soak up the sun, enjoy refreshing drinks, and take in the stunning coastal views.
Address: Ahau Tulum Hotel, Carretera Tulum a Boca Paila, KM 7.5, Zona Costera, 77760 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
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