Océanopolis

About the museum

Océanopolis opened on June 21, 1990 at the Moulin Blanc marina in Brest. The project grew out of an idea by two CNRS researchers who wanted to create an aquarium-museum, and it was backed by the City of Brest. The park belongs to Brest métropole and is run by a mixed-economy company.

The site presents around 10,000 animals and plants in temperate, polar and tropical environments, plus a large aquarium holding one million liters of seawater. It also offers the Sentier des loutres (otter trail) outdoors, the Cité des Océanautes and Océanolab, a laboratory open to the public.

Since 2023, a renovation and expansion program called “Métamorphose” has been transforming the park. The Tropical pavilion has reopened recently, while the Austral pavilion, formerly the polar pavilion, remains closed until early 2027.

Highlights

• Large aquarium holding one million liters of seawater
• Brittany and Tropical pavilions, including a tropical greenhouse
• Sentier des loutres outdoor otter trail
• Océanolab: laboratory open to the public
• Terrace of the Le Rest’O restaurant overlooking the roadstead of Brest

Permanent exhibitions

• Pavillons Bretagne et Tropical – Aquariums with marine life from Brittany and tropical seas, including a warm, humid tropical greenhouse.
• Sentier des loutres et Océanolab – Outdoor trail for watching otters, and a laboratory open to the public where visitors can see the work of scientists.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Brest métropole (gestion par la société d’économie mixte Brest en vue)

Admission & discounts

Prices “from”. Advance online tickets bought the day before cost €2 less than the same-day ticket; only timed online tickets guarantee entry on the chosen day and at the chosen time. Subscribers and holders of works-council tickets (comités d’entreprise) enter without booking. The Pass Culture is accepted after booking on the Pass website.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchairs and seat canes are lent free of charge at the entrance against ID (limited number, no booking needed). Elevators serve every pavilion. A member of the reception staff is trained in French Sign Language, and an induction loop is installed in the amphitheater. Assistance dogs are admitted on presentation of their card. The tropical greenhouse is warm and very humid.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Playground, children’s activities, stroller rental (€6 per day against ID, limited number) and, in high season, a baby area with changing tables and a microwave. No childcare service. An ambassador voucher gives one child free entry.

Getting there & parking

By car: take the “Brest-Ports” exit from Rennes or Morlaix, or follow “Brest-Océanopolis” from Nantes or Quimper; the car park is accessed via rue des Sternes. The La Littorale cycle route (V45/V5) passes 300 m away, and the GR 34 long-distance path allows access on foot.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available
• Wi-Fi

Self-service restaurant Le Rest’O with a terrace overlooking the roadstead, and the O’Comptoir takeaway kiosk in summer. Wi-Fi is available along the whole visitor route and in the gardens. The park does not offer luggage storage.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Flexible event space, auditorium, amphitheater and Pavillon Bretagne for receptions, seminars, conferences and corporate evenings; several areas can be rented privately. Events department phone: +33 2 98 34 40 65 (Monday to Friday).

Plan your visit