Oceanographic Museum

In a nutshell

• A must-see attraction in Monaco, perched on a clifftop overlooking the Mediterranean.
• A perfect family visit, with aquariums, educational activities and immersive experiences.
• An institution committed to the ocean, faithful to the legacy of Prince Albert I and dedicated to raising awareness of marine biodiversity.
• Iconic spaces to explore, including the aquariums, the shark lagoon, fluorescent corals and the Sea Turtle Odyssey.
• A perfect starting point for exploring Monaco-Ville, just a stone's throw from the Saint-Martin Gardens, the Cathedral and the Prince's Palace.

The aquariums

Shark lagoon, a dedicated sea turtle area, themed aquariums devoted to tropical fish and Mediterranean marine species make up the rich permanent exhibition space of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Each area offers a different visiting experience, reflecting the museum's ambition: the conservation of rare specimens and species. Indeed, a large proportion of the animals on display come from the breeding programme run by the nursery of the Oceanographic Institute, a scientific facility that can be visited as part of the institution's premium backstage tour. The same blend of preservation and emotion guides visitors through the Sea Turtle Odyssey, an outdoor section of the museum where visitors can watch these venerable creatures swim and learn more about the protection of these fragile animals.

Please note: from 1 September 2026, the Mediterranean section of the aquariums, home to jellyfish among other species, will be temporarily closed to the public for an estimated period of approximately two years, as part of works aimed at further improving the visitor experience.

The museum

In addition to its famous aquariums, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco houses permanent exhibition spaces. These feature numerous objects and works of art related to the sea, its preservation and science. One area places visitors in the shoes of oceanographic explorers. Monaco and the Ocean traces the work and commitments of the three Monegasque princes who dedicated themselves to the cause of preserving the ocean floor. A 27-metre scenic vessel serves as a common thread for discovering documents and objects linked to the sovereigns' environmental policies.

Oceanomania, conceived by artist Mark Dion, can also be found within the museum's exhibition spaces. A cabinet of curiosities, this space takes visitors on a journey through the oceanography of the past, featuring natural objects (skeletons, fossils) and man-made ones (models, diving suits, instruments). Set within an elegant scenography and the atmosphere of an old library, it tells the story of humanity's fascination with the sea and its ingenuity in exploring it.

Finally, the museum gives pride of place to contemporary art, photography and immersive experiences through its temporary exhibitions. Damien Hirst, Huang Yong Ping, Mark Dion, Marc Quinn and more recently Michel Aubéry have brought their singular worlds into the Monegasque museum. An "Immersion" room also refreshes its programme very regularly, hosting breathtaking audiovisual shows projected across 650 m² of screens. Whether exploring the Arctic, the Great Barrier Reef or the Mediterranean, each immersive exhibition offers the chance to literally dive into an ecosystem.

During temporary exhibitions, the museum's entire rooms are transformed into an interactive and immersive space: the Méditerranée 2050 event offers visitors a captivating spectacle that unfolds across the various spaces, inviting us to rethink the sea and its future.

Activities

A range of activities offer new ways to discover 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 holidays). In small groups, this activity provides a personalised insight into Mediterranean wildlife through an exploration of an aquatic tank recreating the local ecosystem. The museum also runs its own escape game (available in 30-minute or one-hour formats) on its premises, offering a marine-themed game of searching, riddles and teamwork. Finally, ImmerSEAve VR, a virtual reality experience, allows visitors to "dive" without a wetsuit into the Mediterranean Marine Protected Area, thanks to technology.

A breathtaking view

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

Princes and a museum

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco owes its origins to Prince Albert I, a passionate traveller and man of science. After leading 28 scientific expeditions and sailing the world's seas and ice fields, he established a foundation, the Oceanographic Institute, which today oversees the 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 a collaboration with Commander Cousteau, appointed ambassador for the protection of marine species. The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco dedicates a permanent exhibition to this sovereign, The Prince and the Mediterranean, and to his love of the sea.

Prince Albert II, in turn, revived the spectacular expeditions of his ancestor and established the Prince Albert II Foundation in 2006. This non-profit organisation is a privileged partner of the Oceanographic Institute.

From the ornamentation of the façades to that of the rooms, every aspect of the museum's architecture evokes the marine world. Since its inauguration on 29 March 1910, this temple of the sea, with 6,500 m² open to the public, has established itself as an international reference for raising awareness of, fostering appreciation for, and protecting the oceans.

Practical information

Opening hours:

Admission prices:

Disabled access: Access for people with reduced mobility is located next to the outdoor ticket desks

Please note: from 1 September 2026, the Mediterranean section of the aquariums will be temporarily closed to the public for an estimated period of approximately two years due to works to improve the visitor experience.

FAQ