The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco : Between Wonder and Conservation

 Built on the edge of a cliff, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco sits proudly on the famous Rock of Monaco’s old town, more than 85 meters above sea level, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with a mission to protect it.

In 1885, the “Navigator Prince” Albert I, great-great-grandfather of the current sovereign, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, conceived the idea of creating a grand marine biology laboratory to showcase the fruits of his numerous expeditions and to exhibit the treasures of his scientific collection to the world.

 

The construction of this monumental neo-baroque building, entirely dedicated to the sea, was completed in 1910. It became one of the most beautiful marine museums ever created, with the goal of inspiring wonder in young and old alike while educating about the preservation of seas and oceans.

 

The Oceanographic Museum is packed with a variety of stunning activities and is divided into several sections:

The Aquarium

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco naturally contains numerous aquariums, where you can admire various species of sharks, Mediterranean pelagic fish, jellyfish, seahorses, starfish, moray eels, and even exotic species like piranhas!

 

If the Aquarium houses exotic species, it is primarily to better protect them. The Oceanographic Museum has its own nursery to breed all kinds of species, including endangered ones, thereby reducing the need for wild catches. Therefore, most of the marine animals you will observe were born within the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco!

The Turtle Sanctuary

During your visit, you’ll have the chance to explore the Turtle Odyssey, an outdoor space located on the top floor of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.

 

In this sanctuary, you’ll find various species of turtles, from small land turtles measuring just a few centimeters to the famous sea turtles, which can grow several meters long! Among them is Samy, a Mediterranean loggerhead turtle entrusted to the Museum by another regional care center to raise public awareness about the protection of this species.

 

However, keep in mind that these large sea turtles are only temporary residents at the Oceanographic Museum. They are injured turtles rescued at sea near the Principality of Monaco that require care before being released back into the ocean. If you don’t encounter any sea turtles during your visit, it means that, at that time, all of them have successfully been reintroduced into their natural habitat.

The Treasures of Prince Albert I

On the upper first floor of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, you will find the personal collection of the “Navigator Prince,” telling the story of his scientific expeditions.

 

This showcase of art and history is explained through various films surrounding the exhibits, helping you understand and appreciate the story of his travels. In a nearby room, you will have the chance to view the “Polar Mission” exhibit, a popular interactive and immersive area for children, where they can learn about the diet of Blue Whales, the hunting techniques of Orcas, the resilience of Penguins to cold, and even enjoy stunning Northern Lights…

A Museum in Constant Evolution

While the Oceanographic Museum has preserved its original splendor, don’t be mistaken: it is a truly modern place with numerous exciting activities for children and teenagers:

 

  • Escape Game – From 7 years old
  • Playground on the Museum’s rooftop terrace – For all ages
  • Immerseave 360° (Virtual Reality Films) – From 12 years old
  • Ocean Club (one-week educational program within the Museum) – Ages 6 to 2
  • Birthday parties at the Museum – Ages 4 to 12

 

Adults won’t feel left out, as the Oceanographic Museum is one of the most beautiful museums in the region. This architectural gem, clean, modern, and accessible to people with reduced mobility via elevators, boasts a stunning rooftop terrace restaurant with a panoramic view of Monaco, accessible restrooms/nursery/facilities for people with reduced mobility, and offers guided group tours (advance booking required).

Practical Information

 

How to Get There?

 

Once in Monaco, you have three options to reach the Oceanographic Museum :

 

     1.On Foot

 

From the SNCF train station, it is just a 20-minute walk to the Museum. Head towards Place d’Armes, where many local eateries are located, and take the famous Rampe Major towards Monaco’s old town.

 

     2.By Car

 

Set your GPS to “Parking des Pêcheurs.” This parking facility is located under the Oceanographic Museum and, in just a few minutes via its elevators and escalators, will bring you to the entrance of the Museum.

 

     3.By Bus

 

Take lines 1 or 2 “Direction Monaco-Ville” from any stop within the Principality that these buses service, and get off at the terminus.

For further information on schedules and the closest stop, you can download the “CityMapper” app.

 

Opening Hours :

 

The Oceanographic Museum is open every day, except December 25th and the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.

 

The opening hours vary depending on the month of the year:

 

January, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

February, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

March, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

April, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

May, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

June, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

July, from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM

August, from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM

September, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

October, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

November, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

December, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

 

Rates :

 

Full adult fare (18 and over): €19

Student: €12

Child (between 4 and 17 years old): €12

Person with disability: €9

Annual Adult Pass: €39

Annual Child Pass: €25

Only cash, Blue Cards, VISA, American Express, and bank checks are accepted.

 

Crédits Photos : @S. Péroumal, ©Ameller, © Cédric Fruneau

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