Musée d’Anthropologie préhistorique de Monaco
Prehistory museum founded by Albert I: excavations of the Grimaldi caves and the Observatoire cave, human evolution and Gallo-Roman antiquities.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1902 by Prince Albert I, a scientist and patron, to preserve the remains of early humankind found in the soil of the Principality and the surrounding regions. It first opened in a former government building on the Rock, with Canon Léonce de Villeneuve as its first director.
In the 1950s Prince Rainier III moved it to its present site in the Jardin Exotique. The new building, designed by the architect Louis Rué, was inaugurated on 21 November 1960.
The collections come mainly from the excavations of the Grimaldi caves (1895–1902) and the Observatoire cave (1916–1920), supplemented by donations, such as ethnological material from the Calama necropolis in Chile. The displays evoke the glacial and interglacial periods and the major stages of human evolution; the museum also holds Gallo-Roman antiquities.
Highlights
- Objects from the excavations of the Grimaldi caves
- Material from the Observatoire cave
- Stages of human evolution and glacial periods
- Gallo-Roman antiquities
- Ethnological material from the Calama necropolis (Chile)
Permanent exhibition
- Collections permanentes – Objects from the Grimaldi caves and Observatoire cave excavations, human evolution, glacial periods and Gallo-Roman antiquities.
- Founded
- 1902
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 9 · Free for children under 10. |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50 |
Free admission for holders of a Monegasque card, AMP, SPELEOCLUB or ICOM membership.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Jardin Exotique (terminus de la ligne 2)
Bus line 2 towards the Jardin Exotique, terminus stop.
By car
Parking available
Underground car park at the Jardin Exotique or the Engelin car park.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop (map-monaco.com).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The visitor entrance is the private entrance between the Jardin Exotique and the Villa Paloma of the Nouveau Musée National. Guided tours and activities for children and school groups are offered. |
