Musée océanographique de Monaco

About the museum

In 1889 Prince Albert I of Monaco, a passionate oceanographer, decided to create a museum devoted to the sea. The first stone was laid in 1899, and the architect Paul Delefortrie designed the building, set directly into the cliff facing the Mediterranean. In 1906 the prince founded the Institut océanographique, which later received the museum as a donation. The building was inaugurated on 29 March 1910, after about ten years of work.

The museum houses scientific and historic collections: oceanographic instruments, including prototypes from the prince’s expeditions, stuffed specimens, archives, boat models and art objects inspired by the sea. Some of these pieces come from the twenty-eight campaigns led by Albert I between 1884 and 1915 in the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic. The basement aquariums include around one hundred tanks.

From 1957 to 1988, Commander Jacques-Yves Cousteau directed the institution, which became a world reference for popularising knowledge of the ocean. Today the route combines the aquariums, the Odyssée des tortues marines, the Grand lagon aux requins and the rooftop terrace, along with the immersive exhibition Méditerranée 2050. The Aquarium Méditerranée is currently being transformed.

Highlights

• Basement aquariums and the Grand lagon aux requins
• Odyssée des tortues marines
• Tropical aquarium and the Jean Jaubert tank with a fragment of Red Sea coral reef
• Historic collections from the campaigns of Prince Albert I
• Rooftop terrace with panoramic sea views

Permanent exhibitions

• Aquariums – The basement tanks present Mediterranean and tropical fauna, including the Grand lagon aux requins and the Jean Jaubert tank, renovated in 2025.
• Odyssée des tortues marines – Route devoted to sea turtles, partly outdoors.
• Collections historiques – Oceanographic instruments, stuffed specimens, boat models and objects gathered by Albert I during his research campaigns.

Founded

1889

Operated by

Institut océanographique, Fondation Albert Ier, Prince de Monaco

Visitors per year

approx. 675,000

Admission & discounts

Free admission for Monegasques, on presentation of proof. The companion of a person with a disability enters free if the card bears the mention “besoin d’accompagnement”; otherwise €10. Reduction of €2 per entry (adult or child) on presentation of a same-day transport ticket to Monaco Monte-Carlo, at the Museum ticket desks only. Tickets are neither refundable nor exchangeable.

Accessibility

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

The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility (lifts, adapted routes). Priority ticket desk for people with disabilities; wheelchairs lent on request, subject to availability; rest areas along the route.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Activity “Les animaux du bord de mer” (each child accompanied by an adult with a ticket), escape game from age 7 (€10 per person, minimum 4 participants), virtual reality experience ImmerSEAve from age 12, Club Océano for ages 6 to 12 during school holidays, and two-hour birthday parties for children aged 4 to 12.

Getting there & parking

The X1 shuttle from the Parking des Salines serves the Monaco-Ville terminus, about 50 m from the Museum (five free return trips on presentation of the parking ticket). Reduction of €2 on presentation of a same-day train ticket to Monaco Monte-Carlo, at the Museum ticket desks.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant “La Terrasse” on the rooftop terrace, with a lounge area for drinks; booking recommended. Shop with books, toys, soft toys and textiles.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 1,400 guests.

Several spaces can be hired exclusively: the terrace (600 m², up to 300 people), the aquariums in the evening, the conference hall (up to 500 people), the salon d’honneur, the Odyssée des tortues marines and meeting rooms. Maximum capacity of 1,400 people for a cocktail and 250 for a gala dinner. Contact: evenementiel@oceano.org.

Plan your visit