Monaco Oceanographic Museum

Monaco Oceanographic Museum

The Monaco Oceanographic Museum was established in the 20th century and is one of the world’s oldest ocean museums as well as one of Europe’s most famous aquariums. It is an awe-inspiring museum perched on the coast of Monaco, 85 meters above sea level.

Construction of the museum, which began in 1910, took 11 years to complete. The entire structure weighs 100,000 tons, but its scientific significance is immeasurable. Nestled against the mountains and facing the sea, the massive glass panels in the central hall offer views of the vast Mediterranean Sea. Inside, the museum displays models of fishing boats from ancient times to the present, skeletal specimens of various marine creatures, a wide array of fishing tools, and numerous ornamental fish. It seamlessly blends science and artistry, enjoying international acclaim.

The Monaco Oceanographic Museum boasts the world’s richest collection of marine specimens and top-tier scientific laboratories. In the marine biology exhibition hall, skeletons of various fish and marine creatures are on display, ranging from giant whales to the tiniest ocean organisms. Towering at the center of the hall are the skeletons of a sperm whale and a killer whale—both formidable species of whale. The museum houses the world’s largest coral reef and also features a one-of-a-kind shark lagoon. There are 90 large tanks in total, home to more than 4,000 different marine animals.