The Oceanographic Museum (Musée océanographique) is a museum of marine sciences in Monaco-Ville, Monaco. This building is part of the Institut océanographique, which is committed to sharing its knowledge of the oceans.
The Oceanographic Museum was inaugurated in 1910 by Monaco's modernist reformer, Prince Albert I. who invited to the celebrations not just high officials and celebrities but also the world-leading oceanographers of the day to develop the concept of a future Mediterranean Commission dedicated to oceanography, now called Mediterranean Science Commission. Jacques-Yves Cousteau was director from 1957 to 1988. The Museum celebrated its centenary in March 2010, after extensive renovations.
Very much enjoyed our walk around the museum. Was super quiet and it took us 2 hours to get around it. It was small and very open yet still a lot of small things to see and the aquarium was super clean and the lighting within the room was perfect, very calming. Will certainly visit again if ever in Monaco and would recommend to people who are staying in Monaco/Nice. Entrance fee is 14 Euro
Ranjith PgJan 23, 2018
Great place to spend half a day with the kids. The museum itself is small, but it boast a massive sharks aquarium and has a great playground for the kids on the rooftop with great views of monaco. There's also a coffee/restaurant on the top, great for a quick lunch . The building's architecture is quite unique in the sense that it was built on the rock with one of its facade towering over the cliff some 85 meters above sea level.
Jonathan BeaugrandFeb 18, 2018
We were told not to miss this oceanographic museum and so we did not. Surely, we have found some interesting species to admire which we never saw before but except for that I would say my expectations were a bit different since I would have thought to find a wider aquarium and many more animals to "behold". The last two floors are interesting to visit either for the fossils and for the view of the city of Monaco, very lovely.
Riccardo De StefaniJan 8, 2018
The famous oceanographic museum founded by Mr Jacques-Yves Cousteau. One of the most beautiful museum in the world. You can find so much species of fish, sharks and etc. A must for anyone who visits Monaco. It's also one of the biggest research center in oceanography in the world. It's wonderful for adults and children.
Sylvain MazariJan 23, 2018
We had a day visit here with our grandchildren. The fish were lovely and the large central tank was spectacular. The museum areas are very informative and there was a light and music show along with a children's group (paid for separately) where they learnt about various fish etc and were able to touch some. There is a good sized cafe area which is not too expensive and great views from the roof area with seating and a small play area.
Terri MouldJan 17, 2018
This was the place that I would go first once I visit this remarkable place . This is one of the best museums around the word. This famous oceanographic museum was founded by Mr Jacques-Yves Cousteau. One of the most beautiful museum in the world. You can find so much species of fish, sharks and etc. A must for anyone who visits Monaco. It's also one of the biggest research center in oceanography in the world. It's wonderful for adults and children.
ADITYAVIKRAM SINGHApr 10, 2018
Les enfants ont adorés, l'étage des aquariums est sympa, et pas trop long non plus, donc parfait pour des petits en bas âges. L'étage musée avec le squelette de baleine est parfait pour se rendre compte de leur taille. Par contre l'accessibilité pour les poussettes est à revoir, on a du la porter plusieurs fois, certaines zones ne sont accessibles que par escaliers... Le restaurant est à éviter, personnel froid, plat cher, de qualité très moyenne, cadre moyen également.
Mickaël DancéApr 12, 2018
Great place to spend half a day with the kids. The museum itself is small, but it boasts a massive sharks aquarium and has a great playground for the kids on the rooftop with great views of monaco. There's also a coffee/restaurant on the top, great for a quick lunch . The building's architecture is quite unique in the sense that it was built on the rock with one of its facade towering over the cliff some 85 meters above sea level.
Jon BgrMar 13, 2018
Very much enjoyed our walk around the museum. Was super quiet and it took us 2 hours to get around it. It was small and very open yet still a lot of small things to see and the aquarium was super clean and the lighting within the room was perfect, very calming. Will certainly visit again if ever in Monaco and would recommend to people who are staying in Monaco/Nice. Entrance fee is 14 Euro....
Ranjith PgApr 19, 2018
Prestigious place to visit of course. Unfortunately, most of fish tanks are quite small. There is a turtle in the shark tank, she seems bored out of her mind. The sharks are looking for an exit it seems. These animals need to be released asap!
John SheehanApr 22, 2018
Nice clean exhibits. Aquarium is nice with well worded displays, but the aquarium is one relatively small floor. They are currently constructing an outdoor turtle exhibit.
Ohm PatelMay 12, 2018
Daringly perched on a cliff, I’ve twice visited the oceanographic institute with my wife and son. We’ve loved it both times and appreciate the old-school vibes of the galleries for boats and anatomy. The aquariums are okay — nothing wrong with them but the circulation is a bit of a mess when crowded.
Richard AndersonMay 15, 2018
I really liked this place. Not only is the placement of the building really beautiful, but it’s a nice mixture of old and new exhibits. I can see why people like it so much, and I can’t imagine as a child it’s probably even better. Lots of really well organized exhibits featuring both live and dead ocean life. Really beautiful tanks. When you’re done you can head up to the terrace and enjoy an amazing view. Loved it! Well done.
William HeeleyMay 18, 2018
No wonder this place is so renowned, the museum is really worth a visit. The whole building overlooking the sea perched on this Cliff is magnificent. The aquarium is great for families, every age category will be in awe. The collections in the ground and first floor might attract a more adult crowd. The only letdown comparatively speaking is the restaurant that could use a facelift
Thierry OndetJun 6, 2018
One of the best museums to go with children they have a wide variety of fishes and other seafood creatures. My daughter had a really nice time going through all the aquarium displays. And they have a nice restaurant and cafe on the roof for a relaxed drink or meal.
Dax AbrahamJun 13, 2018
Fun aquarium, museum, and gift shop. Very happy to see all the informative fish exhibits. But the coffee break coffee machine at the entrance /exit of the museum charged me twice when I paid using Apple Pay....... DO NOT USE APPLE PAY ON IT!! Everything else was great 👍
Kaylie KhorJun 13, 2018
Very cool place to visit, some amazing fish on display in huge tanks. Gets extremely busy and very difficult to move through the rooms. Not as much to see as I'd hoped. Altogether an enjoyable, albeit exoenexpe day with the kids. The 'touch tank' is conducted solely in French so if you're children don't speak the language, avoid as they will be lost with the proceedings.
Steve BJul 16, 2018
Very interesting place to see. The marine life exposition is not that impressive, as, let's say, the giant acquarium and the related exposition in one of Dubai's malls, but this museum has the unique attraction: you can pet little sharks, swimming in a shallow pool. Very interesting! +it's nearby the Pince's palace; the city tour train stop is just outside the building; it has a nice park with a children's playground just beside (on the side of the hill), and it's the best place to see Monaco's panorama. Only, if you're travelling in high season, have in mind that the museum's parking might be full. As well as the ones nearby. My suggestion is to simply wait for a spot rather than look for somewhere else.
Diana BerulytėJul 13, 2018
Great building that lies on a cliff just over the sea. Has quite a few wonderful and really well planned out fish tanks. Very well maintained and lots and lots of different fascinating species from around the world. Sharks, murenes, piranhas, jelly fish, big fish, small fish, weird fish and cute ones. We brought 2 children ages 7 and 8. Some parts a bit boring for them otherwise very existing. The old exhibitions are dull but the new ones are great. Great view from the top of the building. We bought tickets from the machines outside. Will save you some time. Visit the old town also right next by.
Kjetil NæssanJun 28, 2018
All lovers of the underwater world should visit this museum. You will see a lot of marine organisms, battered sharks, jellyfish, octopus, sea turtles and the like. Also on one level there is a museum with pirate objects, prepared birds and tibs, and the like. Also at the top of the museum there is a restaurant with a beautiful view of the city and the ocean. The ticket was € 14 or € 19 if you are visiting the Prince palace, 500 meters from this museum.
Studio LASSOJul 15, 2018
Very much enjoyed our walk around the museum. Was super quiet and it took us 2 hours to get around it. It was small and very open yet still a lot of small things to see and the aquarium was super clean and the lighting within the room was perfect, very calming. Will certainly visit again if ever in Monaco and would recommend to people who are staying in Monaco/Nice. Entrance fee is 14 Euro
Ranjith PgJan 23, 2018
Great place to spend half a day with the kids. The museum itself is small, but it boast a massive sharks aquarium and has a great playground for the kids on the rooftop with great views of monaco. There's also a coffee/restaurant on the top, great for a quick lunch . The building's architecture is quite unique in the sense that it was built on the rock with one of its facade towering over the cliff some 85 meters above sea level.
Jonathan BeaugrandFeb 18, 2018
We were told not to miss this oceanographic museum and so we did not. Surely, we have found some interesting species to admire which we never saw before but except for that I would say my expectations were a bit different since I would have thought to find a wider aquarium and many more animals to "behold". The last two floors are interesting to visit either for the fossils and for the view of the city of Monaco, very lovely.
Riccardo De StefaniJan 8, 2018
The famous oceanographic museum founded by Mr Jacques-Yves Cousteau. One of the most beautiful museum in the world. You can find so much species of fish, sharks and etc. A must for anyone who visits Monaco. It's also one of the biggest research center in oceanography in the world. It's wonderful for adults and children.
Sylvain MazariJan 23, 2018
We had a day visit here with our grandchildren. The fish were lovely and the large central tank was spectacular. The museum areas are very informative and there was a light and music show along with a children's group (paid for separately) where they learnt about various fish etc and were able to touch some. There is a good sized cafe area which is not too expensive and great views from the roof area with seating and a small play area.
Terri MouldJan 17, 2018
This was the place that I would go first once I visit this remarkable place . This is one of the best museums around the word. This famous oceanographic museum was founded by Mr Jacques-Yves Cousteau. One of the most beautiful museum in the world. You can find so much species of fish, sharks and etc. A must for anyone who visits Monaco. It's also one of the biggest research center in oceanography in the world. It's wonderful for adults and children.
ADITYAVIKRAM SINGHApr 10, 2018
Les enfants ont adorés, l'étage des aquariums est sympa, et pas trop long non plus, donc parfait pour des petits en bas âges. L'étage musée avec le squelette de baleine est parfait pour se rendre compte de leur taille. Par contre l'accessibilité pour les poussettes est à revoir, on a du la porter plusieurs fois, certaines zones ne sont accessibles que par escaliers... Le restaurant est à éviter, personnel froid, plat cher, de qualité très moyenne, cadre moyen également.
Mickaël DancéApr 12, 2018
Great place to spend half a day with the kids. The museum itself is small, but it boasts a massive sharks aquarium and has a great playground for the kids on the rooftop with great views of monaco. There's also a coffee/restaurant on the top, great for a quick lunch . The building's architecture is quite unique in the sense that it was built on the rock with one of its facade towering over the cliff some 85 meters above sea level.
Jon BgrMar 13, 2018
Very much enjoyed our walk around the museum. Was super quiet and it took us 2 hours to get around it. It was small and very open yet still a lot of small things to see and the aquarium was super clean and the lighting within the room was perfect, very calming. Will certainly visit again if ever in Monaco and would recommend to people who are staying in Monaco/Nice. Entrance fee is 14 Euro....
Ranjith PgApr 19, 2018
Prestigious place to visit of course. Unfortunately, most of fish tanks are quite small. There is a turtle in the shark tank, she seems bored out of her mind. The sharks are looking for an exit it seems. These animals need to be released asap!
John SheehanApr 22, 2018
Nice clean exhibits. Aquarium is nice with well worded displays, but the aquarium is one relatively small floor. They are currently constructing an outdoor turtle exhibit.
Ohm PatelMay 12, 2018
Daringly perched on a cliff, I’ve twice visited the oceanographic institute with my wife and son. We’ve loved it both times and appreciate the old-school vibes of the galleries for boats and anatomy. The aquariums are okay — nothing wrong with them but the circulation is a bit of a mess when crowded.
Richard AndersonMay 15, 2018
I really liked this place. Not only is the placement of the building really beautiful, but it’s a nice mixture of old and new exhibits. I can see why people like it so much, and I can’t imagine as a child it’s probably even better. Lots of really well organized exhibits featuring both live and dead ocean life. Really beautiful tanks. When you’re done you can head up to the terrace and enjoy an amazing view. Loved it! Well done.
William HeeleyMay 18, 2018
No wonder this place is so renowned, the museum is really worth a visit. The whole building overlooking the sea perched on this Cliff is magnificent. The aquarium is great for families, every age category will be in awe. The collections in the ground and first floor might attract a more adult crowd. The only letdown comparatively speaking is the restaurant that could use a facelift
Thierry OndetJun 6, 2018
One of the best museums to go with children they have a wide variety of fishes and other seafood creatures. My daughter had a really nice time going through all the aquarium displays. And they have a nice restaurant and cafe on the roof for a relaxed drink or meal.
Dax AbrahamJun 13, 2018
Fun aquarium, museum, and gift shop. Very happy to see all the informative fish exhibits. But the coffee break coffee machine at the entrance /exit of the museum charged me twice when I paid using Apple Pay....... DO NOT USE APPLE PAY ON IT!! Everything else was great 👍
Kaylie KhorJun 13, 2018
Very cool place to visit, some amazing fish on display in huge tanks. Gets extremely busy and very difficult to move through the rooms. Not as much to see as I'd hoped. Altogether an enjoyable, albeit exoenexpe day with the kids. The 'touch tank' is conducted solely in French so if you're children don't speak the language, avoid as they will be lost with the proceedings.
Steve BJul 16, 2018
Very interesting place to see. The marine life exposition is not that impressive, as, let's say, the giant acquarium and the related exposition in one of Dubai's malls, but this museum has the unique attraction: you can pet little sharks, swimming in a shallow pool. Very interesting! +it's nearby the Pince's palace; the city tour train stop is just outside the building; it has a nice park with a children's playground just beside (on the side of the hill), and it's the best place to see Monaco's panorama. Only, if you're travelling in high season, have in mind that the museum's parking might be full. As well as the ones nearby. My suggestion is to simply wait for a spot rather than look for somewhere else.
Diana BerulytėJul 13, 2018
Great building that lies on a cliff just over the sea. Has quite a few wonderful and really well planned out fish tanks. Very well maintained and lots and lots of different fascinating species from around the world. Sharks, murenes, piranhas, jelly fish, big fish, small fish, weird fish and cute ones. We brought 2 children ages 7 and 8. Some parts a bit boring for them otherwise very existing. The old exhibitions are dull but the new ones are great. Great view from the top of the building. We bought tickets from the machines outside. Will save you some time. Visit the old town also right next by.
Kjetil NæssanJun 28, 2018
All lovers of the underwater world should visit this museum. You will see a lot of marine organisms, battered sharks, jellyfish, octopus, sea turtles and the like. Also on one level there is a museum with pirate objects, prepared birds and tibs, and the like. Also at the top of the museum there is a restaurant with a beautiful view of the city and the ocean. The ticket was € 14 or € 19 if you are visiting the Prince palace, 500 meters from this museum.
Studio LASSOJul 15, 2018
Very much enjoyed our walk around the museum. Was super quiet and it took us 2 hours to get around it. It was small and very open yet still a lot of small things to see and the aquarium was super clean and the lighting within the room was perfect, very calming. Will certainly visit again if ever in Monaco and would recommend to people who are staying in Monaco/Nice. Entrance fee is 14 Euro
Ranjith PgJan 23, 2018
Great place to spend half a day with the kids. The museum itself is small, but it boast a massive sharks aquarium and has a great playground for the kids on the rooftop with great views of monaco. There's also a coffee/restaurant on the top, great for a quick lunch . The building's architecture is quite unique in the sense that it was built on the rock with one of its facade towering over the cliff some 85 meters above sea level.
Jonathan BeaugrandFeb 18, 2018
We were told not to miss this oceanographic museum and so we did not. Surely, we have found some interesting species to admire which we never saw before but except for that I would say my expectations were a bit different since I would have thought to find a wider aquarium and many more animals to "behold". The last two floors are interesting to visit either for the fossils and for the view of the city of Monaco, very lovely.
Riccardo De StefaniJan 8, 2018
The famous oceanographic museum founded by Mr Jacques-Yves Cousteau. One of the most beautiful museum in the world. You can find so much species of fish, sharks and etc. A must for anyone who visits Monaco. It's also one of the biggest research center in oceanography in the world. It's wonderful for adults and children.
Sylvain MazariJan 23, 2018
We had a day visit here with our grandchildren. The fish were lovely and the large central tank was spectacular. The museum areas are very informative and there was a light and music show along with a children's group (paid for separately) where they learnt about various fish etc and were able to touch some. There is a good sized cafe area which is not too expensive and great views from the roof area with seating and a small play area.
Terri MouldJan 17, 2018
This was the place that I would go first once I visit this remarkable place . This is one of the best museums around the word. This famous oceanographic museum was founded by Mr Jacques-Yves Cousteau. One of the most beautiful museum in the world. You can find so much species of fish, sharks and etc. A must for anyone who visits Monaco. It's also one of the biggest research center in oceanography in the world. It's wonderful for adults and children.
ADITYAVIKRAM SINGHApr 10, 2018
Les enfants ont adorés, l'étage des aquariums est sympa, et pas trop long non plus, donc parfait pour des petits en bas âges. L'étage musée avec le squelette de baleine est parfait pour se rendre compte de leur taille. Par contre l'accessibilité pour les poussettes est à revoir, on a du la porter plusieurs fois, certaines zones ne sont accessibles que par escaliers... Le restaurant est à éviter, personnel froid, plat cher, de qualité très moyenne, cadre moyen également.
Mickaël DancéApr 12, 2018
Great place to spend half a day with the kids. The museum itself is small, but it boasts a massive sharks aquarium and has a great playground for the kids on the rooftop with great views of monaco. There's also a coffee/restaurant on the top, great for a quick lunch . The building's architecture is quite unique in the sense that it was built on the rock with one of its facade towering over the cliff some 85 meters above sea level.
Jon BgrMar 13, 2018
Very much enjoyed our walk around the museum. Was super quiet and it took us 2 hours to get around it. It was small and very open yet still a lot of small things to see and the aquarium was super clean and the lighting within the room was perfect, very calming. Will certainly visit again if ever in Monaco and would recommend to people who are staying in Monaco/Nice. Entrance fee is 14 Euro....
Ranjith PgApr 19, 2018
Prestigious place to visit of course. Unfortunately, most of fish tanks are quite small. There is a turtle in the shark tank, she seems bored out of her mind. The sharks are looking for an exit it seems. These animals need to be released asap!
John SheehanApr 22, 2018
Nice clean exhibits. Aquarium is nice with well worded displays, but the aquarium is one relatively small floor. They are currently constructing an outdoor turtle exhibit.
Ohm PatelMay 12, 2018
Daringly perched on a cliff, I’ve twice visited the oceanographic institute with my wife and son. We’ve loved it both times and appreciate the old-school vibes of the galleries for boats and anatomy. The aquariums are okay — nothing wrong with them but the circulation is a bit of a mess when crowded.
Richard AndersonMay 15, 2018
I really liked this place. Not only is the placement of the building really beautiful, but it’s a nice mixture of old and new exhibits. I can see why people like it so much, and I can’t imagine as a child it’s probably even better. Lots of really well organized exhibits featuring both live and dead ocean life. Really beautiful tanks. When you’re done you can head up to the terrace and enjoy an amazing view. Loved it! Well done.
William HeeleyMay 18, 2018
No wonder this place is so renowned, the museum is really worth a visit. The whole building overlooking the sea perched on this Cliff is magnificent. The aquarium is great for families, every age category will be in awe. The collections in the ground and first floor might attract a more adult crowd. The only letdown comparatively speaking is the restaurant that could use a facelift
Thierry OndetJun 6, 2018
One of the best museums to go with children they have a wide variety of fishes and other seafood creatures. My daughter had a really nice time going through all the aquarium displays. And they have a nice restaurant and cafe on the roof for a relaxed drink or meal.
Dax AbrahamJun 13, 2018
Fun aquarium, museum, and gift shop. Very happy to see all the informative fish exhibits. But the coffee break coffee machine at the entrance /exit of the museum charged me twice when I paid using Apple Pay....... DO NOT USE APPLE PAY ON IT!! Everything else was great 👍
Kaylie KhorJun 13, 2018
Very cool place to visit, some amazing fish on display in huge tanks. Gets extremely busy and very difficult to move through the rooms. Not as much to see as I'd hoped. Altogether an enjoyable, albeit exoenexpe day with the kids. The 'touch tank' is conducted solely in French so if you're children don't speak the language, avoid as they will be lost with the proceedings.
Steve BJul 16, 2018
Very interesting place to see. The marine life exposition is not that impressive, as, let's say, the giant acquarium and the related exposition in one of Dubai's malls, but this museum has the unique attraction: you can pet little sharks, swimming in a shallow pool. Very interesting! +it's nearby the Pince's palace; the city tour train stop is just outside the building; it has a nice park with a children's playground just beside (on the side of the hill), and it's the best place to see Monaco's panorama. Only, if you're travelling in high season, have in mind that the museum's parking might be full. As well as the ones nearby. My suggestion is to simply wait for a spot rather than look for somewhere else.
Diana BerulytėJul 13, 2018
Great building that lies on a cliff just over the sea. Has quite a few wonderful and really well planned out fish tanks. Very well maintained and lots and lots of different fascinating species from around the world. Sharks, murenes, piranhas, jelly fish, big fish, small fish, weird fish and cute ones. We brought 2 children ages 7 and 8. Some parts a bit boring for them otherwise very existing. The old exhibitions are dull but the new ones are great. Great view from the top of the building. We bought tickets from the machines outside. Will save you some time. Visit the old town also right next by.
Kjetil NæssanJun 28, 2018
All lovers of the underwater world should visit this museum. You will see a lot of marine organisms, battered sharks, jellyfish, octopus, sea turtles and the like. Also on one level there is a museum with pirate objects, prepared birds and tibs, and the like. Also at the top of the museum there is a restaurant with a beautiful view of the city and the ocean. The ticket was € 14 or € 19 if you are visiting the Prince palace, 500 meters from this museum.
Studio LASSOJul 15, 2018
Monday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
Friday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
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