Heart of the ocean

Perched 85 meters above the waters of the Mediterranean, on the majestic cliffs of Monaco, stands a monument dedicated to the exploration of the oceans: the Oceanographic Museum. Founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I of Monaco, this iconic museum embodies a centuries-old heritage, combining passion for the oceans and commitment to their preservation.

Much more than just an exhibition space, the Oceanographic Museum is a living witness to a story that dates back more than a century, told by its exceptional heritage and artistic collections and through its aquarium housing 6,000 marine specimens.

As part of the Oceanographic Institute's polar program (2022—2024), the Oceanographic Museum presents a large-scale immersive and interactive exhibition that plunges visitors into the heart of the polar regions, offering them a captivating exploration of the Arctic and Antarctica. From the discovery of the poles to the wildlife they shelter, through the men who inhabit and explore them, the “Polar Mission” exhibition offers you a fascinating adventure at the crossroads of science, history and ecology.

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Throughout its journey, the exhibition pushes the boundaries of reality and offers you a unique experience in the “Immersion” room: a journey in six acts thanks to 650 m² of projections, to make you aware of the beauty and fragility of the polar worlds. An exceptional device that highlights the crucial importance of the health of the poles for the balance of our planet, a cause dear to the princely family of Monaco since the 19th century.

That is why, at the end of your visit, you will be encouraged to support actions to protect the poles, including the creation of marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean.

Recognized throughout the world, the Oceanographic Museum is an exceptional place. Its remarkable architecture, its unique location, its aquarium, its collections, its exhibitions and its essential role in the preservation of marine biodiversity make it an essential visit during a stay in the Principality.

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DID YOU KNOW THAT?

• A precursor of oceanography, Prince Albert I dedicated a large part of his life to the exploration of the oceans by leading no less than 28 scientific campaigns.

• The Oceanographic Museum was managed by Major Cousteau from 1957 to 1988.

• H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco is the only Head of State to have visited the North Pole and the South Pole.