Oceanographic Museum of Monaco: a must-see attraction on the Rock
Key takeaways
- A must-see attraction in Monaco, perched on a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean.
- An ideal family outing, featuring aquariums, educational activities and immersive experiences.
- A venue committed to ocean conservation, staying true to the legacy of Prince Albert I and dedicated to raising awareness of marine biodiversity.
- Iconic areas to explore, including the tropical aquariums, the shark lagoon, the 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
The shark lagoon, an area dedicated to sea turtles, and themed aquariums devoted to tropical fish and Mediterranean marine species make up the rich permanent exhibition space at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Different exhibition areas where the museum reveals its mission: the conservation of rare specimens and species. A large proportion of the animals on display actually come from the breeding programme run by the Oceanographic Institute’s hatchery, a scientific facility that can be explored as part of the institution’s premium behind-the-scenes tour. The same blend of conservation and emotion guides visitors through the ‘Odyssey of the Sea Turtles’, the museum’s open-air section where you can watch these venerable creatures swim and learn more about the protection of these fragile animals.
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 relating to the sea, its conservation and science. One such space allows visitors to step into the shoes of oceanographic explorers. ‘Monaco and the Ocean’ thus looks back at the work and commitments of the three Monegasque princes who dedicated themselves to the cause of preserving the seabed. A 27-metre-long scenic ship serves as a central theme, guiding visitors through documents and artefacts linked to the environmental policies of the local sovereigns.
‘Oceanomania’, designed by the artist Mark Dion, is also on display within the Monegasque institution’s museum space. A cabinet of curiosities, this space takes us on a journey through the oceanography of the past, featuring both natural objects (skeletons, fossils) and man-made artefacts (models, diving suits, instruments). Set against an elegant backdrop and within the atmosphere of an old library, it tells the story of humanity’s fascination with the maritime world and its inventiveness 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 unique worlds to the Monegasque museum. Finally, the ‘Immersion’ gallery updates its programme very regularly, featuring breathtaking audiovisual shows projected across 650 m² of screens. Whether it’s the Arctic, the Great Barrier Reef or the Mediterranean, each immersive exhibition offers the chance to literally immerse oneself in an ecosystem.
During temporary exhibitions, the entire museum is transformed into an interactive and immersive space: the ‘Mediterranean 2050 ’ event , for example, offers visitors a captivating experience that unfolds across the various spaces, prompting us to rethink the Mediterranean Sea and its future.
Activities
A range of activities offers a different way to discover the sea and its secrets. The educational room at 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 offers a personalised insight into the fauna of the Mediterranean through an exploration of the aquatic tank recreating the local ecosystem. The museum also organises its own escape game (lasting 30 minutes or an hour) on its premises, and offers a game involving treasure hunts, puzzles and teamwork, all with a maritime theme. Finally, the ImmerSEAve VR experience allows visitors to ‘dive’ into the Mediterranean Marine Protected Area without a wetsuit, thanks to virtual reality 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 offered by this prime location in the Principality.
Princes and a museum
The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco owes its origins to Prince Albert I, a keen traveller and lover of science. After leading 28 scientific expeditions and travelling across seas and ice floes, he established a foundation, the Oceanographic Institute, 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 a collaboration with Commander Cousteau, who was 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 ancestor’s spectacular expeditions and established the Prince Albert II Foundation in 2006. This non-profit organisation is a key partner of the Oceanographic Institute.
From the decoration of the façades to that of the exhibition rooms, everything about the museum’s architecture evokes the marine world. Since its inauguration on 29 March 1910, this temple to the sea – 6,500 m² of which is open to the public – has established itself as an international benchmark for raising awareness of, fostering a love for, and protecting the oceans.
Practical information
Opening hours:
October to March: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
April, May, June and September: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
July and August: 9.30 am to 8.00 pm
Admission prices:
Adults (aged 18 and over): €22.50
Students (with valid ID): €14
Children (aged 4–17 inclusive): €14
Children (under 4): Free
Visitors with disabilities: €11
Access for people with reduced mobility : Access for people with reduced mobility is located next to the outdoor ticket offices