Prince Albert I built this cliff-edge citadel of marine science in 1910, and Jacques Cousteau once directed it. Spectacular aquariums, a shark lagoon, and a rooftop terrace commanding the entire Riviera make this a world-class, bucket-list institution.
What to expect
You enter through monumental bronze doors engraved with marine motifs into halls where real deep-sea submersibles hang from the rafters beside whale skeletons. Below, the basement aquarium holds 6,000 specimens — including a purpose-built shark lagoon circled by black-tip reef sharks. Restored historic galleries upstairs showcase Prince Albert I's original oceanographic instruments and rare specimens from his pioneering expeditions. The rooftop terrace rewards visitors with a 360-degree panorama: the Rock of Monaco below, Cap Ferrat in the distance, and the Alps still snow-capped on the horizon in spring.
Good to know
Located at the foot of the Palace on the Rock — combine with a palace visit for a perfect morning on the Rock. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours. Timed tickets bookable online; weekends fill quickly in summer. The museum's clifftop café is perfect for a mid-visit espresso with a sea view.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Monte Carlo — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Monte Carlo
- Casino de Monte-Carlo: Grand Salons Privés & Gaming Floor
- Prince's Palace of Monaco: State Apartments & Changing of Guard
- Èze Village & Fragonard Perfumery: Medieval Heights of the Riviera
- Collection de Voitures Anciennes: Prince Rainier's Legendary Garage
- Monaco Superyacht & Coastal Charter: The Principality from the Sea