Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

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 29 March 1910, this temple to the sea, with 6,500 m² open to the public, has established itself as an international benchmark for promoting knowledge, love and protection of the oceans.

The aquariums

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco' s rich permanent exhibition space includes a shark lagoon, an area dedicated to sea turtles, and themed aquariums devoted to tropical fish and Mediterranean marine species. The museum's ambition is to preserve rare specimens and species in a variety of settings. Many of the animals on display come from the reproductive cycle organised by the Oceanographic Institute's nursery, a scientific facility that can be discovered as part of the museum'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 visitors can follow the swims of these venerable creatures and learn more about protecting these fragile animals.

The museum

As well as its famous aquariums, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco houses permanent exhibition spaces. These include numerous objects and works of art relating to the sea, its preservation and science. The first area puts visitors in the shoes of oceanographic explorers. Monaco and the Ocean looks back at the work and commitments of the three Monegasque princes who have invested 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 the 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 through the oceanography of the past, with natural objects (skeletons, fossils) and artificial objects (models, diving suits, instruments). With its elegant scenography and old library atmosphere, the museum tells the story of mankind's fascination with the maritime environment and their 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 all 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 Mediterranean 2050 event offers visitors a captivating show that unfolds throughout the museum, leading us to rethink the sea and its future.

Activities

There are a number of events designed to give visitors a different way of discovering the sea and its secrets. The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco's educational room hosts the Seaside Animals activity every weekend throughout the year (and every day during the school holidays). In small groups, this activity offers a personalised insight into the fauna of the Mediterranean through an exploration of the aquatic basin recreating the local ecosystem. The museum also organises its own escape game (30 minutes or one hour) on its premises, offering a game of excavation, riddles and brainstorming on the theme of the sea. Last but not least, the ImmerSEAve VR virtual reality animation allows visitors to 'dive' into the Mediterranean Marine Protected Area without a wetsuit, thanks to the latest technology.

An unbeatable view

The Oceanographic Museum's roof terrace 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 traveller and scientist. After leading 28 scientific campaigns and travelling the seas and ice floes, he set up 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 collaboration with Commandant 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 the spectacular expeditions of his grandfather and created the Prince Albert II Foundation in 2006. This non-profit organisation is a privileged partner of the Oceanographic Institute.

Practical information

Opening times:

October to March: 10am to 6pm

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

July and August: 9.30am to 8pm

Admission

Adults (aged 18 and over): €22.50

Student (valid card): €14

Children (aged 4-17 inclusive): €14

Children (under 4): Free

Disabled person: €11

Accessibility for people with reduced mobility: Access for people with reduced mobility is located next to the outside ticket offices.