The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, built on the side of a cliff and culminating at the top of the Monaco Rock, is a unique museum-aquarium. Home to the Mediterranean Science Commission, the museum is one of the largest scientific institutions dedicated to the study of the ocean.

The Neo-Baroque style museum was inaugurated in 1910 by Prince Albert I, a lover of the ocean and a sailor himself. Prince Albert, I led 28 scientific campaigns and dedicated a large part of his life to studying the sea and ocean. He set up the Institute of Oceanography foundation to raise awareness of the Ocean, and one of the buildings is the now world-renowned museum and aquarium.

Through the museum's vast objects collection preserved for centuries, visitors could also learn more about the scientific expeditions of Prince Albert I. Explore the different model ships, skeletons of different sea animals, and its collection of large corals and pearls. The museum offers many activities and workshops for all ages, and presents very beautiful temporary exhibitions, particularly on the preservation of the environment and the sea.

Discover the aquarium and take a journey through the tropics! This great sanctuary of the oceans hosts over 6,000 specimens of various Mediterranean and tropical species. Get up close and personal to sharks, piranhas, eels, an octopus, and more!

For those visiting during lunch hours, don't forget to check out the rooftop terrace restaurant, La Terrasse, and grab a drink in the Lounge area or something to eat overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The museum also has a gift shop with books and personalized gifts to help you remember your friends from the sea!

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day and the weekend of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix (end of May). From October-March the museum is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, while in April-June and September the museum opens at 10 am and closes at 7 pm. In the summer months (July and August), the museum opens at 9:30 am and closes at 8:00 pm.

The museum can be easily reached by bus, train, car or on foot. Local bus numbers 1 or 2 will bring you to the "Place de la Visitation" stop which is a short walk to the museum. Many local trains arrive into the center of Monaco from neighboring cities such as Nice, Cannes, and Marseille. For those arriving by car, a paid parking lot with 500 spots can be found under the museum.