An international benchmark

From the ornamentation of the facades to that of the rooms, everything in the museum's architecture evokes the marine world. Since its inauguration on March 29, 1910, this temple to the sea, with 6,500 m² open to the public, has become an international benchmark for the understanding, appreciation and protection of the oceans .

The aquariums

A shark lagoon, an area dedicated to sea turtles, themed aquariums devoted to tropical fish and Mediterranean marine species, make up the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco' s rich permanent exhibition space. The museum's ambition is to preserve rare specimens and species. A large proportion of the animals on display come from the breeding cycle organized by the Oceanographic Institute's nursery, a scientific facility that can be discovered as part of the institution's premium backstage tour. The same blend of preservation and emotion guides visitors through the Sea Turtle Odyssey, an open-air section of the museum where you can follow the swim of these venerable creatures and learn more about protecting these fragile animals.

The museum

In addition to its famous aquariums, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco houses permanent exhibition spaces. These include numerous objects and works of art related to the sea, its preservation and science. The first area puts visitors in the shoes of oceanographic explorers. Monaco et l'Océan looks back at the work and commitments of the three Monegasque princes who were involved in the cause of preserving the seabed. A 27-metre-long scenic ship serves as a red thread for discovering documents and objects linked to the environmental policies of the local sovereigns.

Oceanomania, designed by artist Mark Dion, can also be discovered in the Monegasque institution's museum space. A cabinet of curiosities, this space takes us on a journey into the oceanography of the past, with natural objects (skeletons, fossils) and artificial ones (models, diving suits, instruments). With its elegant scenography and old-fashioned library atmosphere, the museum tells the story of man's fascination with the maritime environment, and his inventiveness in exploring it.

Finally, the museum's temporary exhibitions give pride of place to contemporary art, photography and immersive experiences. Damien Hirst, Huang Yong Ping, Mark Dion, Marc Quinn and, more recently, Michel Aubéry have brought their unique worlds to the Monegasque museum. Last but not least, the "Immersion" room regularly renews its programming with breathtaking audiovisual shows broadcast on 650 m² of screens. Whether it's the Arctic, the Great Barrier Reef or the Mediterranean, each immersive exhibition is an opportunity to literally immerse yourself in an ecosystem.

For temporary exhibitions, the entire museum is transformed into an interactive and immersive space: the event Mediterranean 2050 event offers visitors a captivating spectacle that unfolds throughout the museum, leading us to rethink the sea and its future.

Activities

A number of events offer a different way of discovering the sea and its secrets. The educational room of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco hosts the Seaside Animals activity every weekend throughout the year (and every day during school vacations). In small groups, this activity offers a personalized insight into the fauna of the Mediterranean through an exploration of the aquatic basin reconstituting the local ecosystem. The museum also organizes its own escape game (in 30 minutes or one hour) within its walls, and offers a game of excavation, riddles and concertation with a marine theme. Last but not least, ImmerSEAve VR, a virtual reality animation, lets you "dive" into the Mediterranean Marine Protected Area without a wetsuit, thanks to technology.

A breathtaking view

The rooftop terrace of the Oceanographic Museum is home to the Restaurant La Terrasse, a place to relax during a visit, and enjoy the incredible panoramic view from this privileged spot in the Principality.

Princes and a museum

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco owes its origins to Prince Albert I, a keen traveler and scientist. After leading 28 scientific campaigns and traveling the world's seas and ice floes, he set up the Oceanographic Institute foundation, which today oversees the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and the Maison de l'Océan in Paris.

His great-grandson, Prince Rainier III, continued this work of exploration and science, through an ambitious maritime policy and collaboration with Commandant Cousteau, appointed ambassador for the protection of marine species. The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco has dedicated a permanent exhibition to this sovereign, The Prince and the Mediterranean, and to his love of the sea.

Prince Albert II, for his part, has revived his grandfather's spectacular expeditions, creating the Prince Albert II Foundation in 2006. This non-profit organization is a privileged partner of the Oceanographic Institute.

Practical information

Opening hours :

October to March: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

April, May, June and September: 10 am to 7 pm

July and August: 9.30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

PRM access: Access for the mobility-impaired is located next to the outside ticket desks.