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.

The museum is home to a vast array of well-preserved sea related objects and also gives visitors a chance to 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, 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 personalised gifts as a reminder of your visit!

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 to March the museum is open from 10am to 6pm, while in April, June and September the museum opens at 10am and closes at 7pm. In the summer months (July and August), the museum opens at 9:30am and closes at 8pm.

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 centre of Monaco from neighbouring cities such as Nice, Cannes and Marseille. For those arriving by car, a paid parking lot with 500 spaces can be found under the museum.