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Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Avenue Saint-Martin, Monaco,

Description

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco focuses on Marine sciences; it was opened in 1910 and had Jacques-Yves Cousteau (the famous marine explorer, conservationist and researcher) at its helm for 30 years (1957-88). The museum hosts exhibitions and collections of various species of sea fauna such as rays, sharks, turtle, etc. as well as skeletons, model ships and some exploration equipment. The building housing the museum is designed in Baroque Revival style and towers atop a sheer cliff over the Mediterranean Sea.

Access & Transport

Address: Avenue Saint-Martin, Monaco Bus n° 1 and 2 towards the "Rocher" stop to the Place de la Visitation (terminus) It is 25 mins walk from the railway station. There are regional trains linking Monte Carlo (Monaco-Monte Carlo station, roughly in the center of the city) with Nice (35mins) and other cities on the Cote d'Azur Riviera, as well as some bus services to Menton and Nice. By road, Nice is 20km away and the drive takes 30-40mins. The "Pêcheurs" car park is situated under the building.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this activity with a visit of the Monaco Top Cars Collection and of the Monte Carlo neighbourhood.

Meta review

The museum gets good reviews for the marine life on display - especially the central tank with turtle and sharks, the impressive building in which it is housed, and its marine conservation credentials. However, many visitors find it overpriced (and some activities require an additional fee) and a little outdated, not comparing favourably with more modern and larger aquariums. The main recurring complaints relate to the small size of some of the tanks.

Environmental & Social

The museum is part of the Oceanographic Institute and has a very strong focus on marine conservation and education.

Conclusion

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco has been a celebrated institution in the marine conservation area since it was created and we would recommend a visit mostly to those interested as much in the educational content as in the "visual" enjoyment. For those looking to be impressed by large aquariums it might be a little underwhelming.

Key positive

Focus on marine conservation and related educational content

Impressive setting

Key negative

Expensive entrance fees

Not the most modern aquarium

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, except for the basement (stairs only)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 25 Dec. and the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend

av. transport time:0h 35m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 19:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 19:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 19:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 19:00

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€19
Adult
18 - 64
€19
Child
4 - 17
€12
Infant
0 - 3
€0
Student price is 12€. Museum + Car collection is 23,50€ / 14€

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