Snapshots of Monaco’s Musée Océanographique

Perched atop cliffs, overlooking the Mediterranean sea was our favorite stop in Monaco, the Musée Océanographique.

What is funny is that I probably would not have toured it if I hadn’t had Mary Polly with me.  The Musée Océanographique dates from 1901 and was the brainchild of Prince Albert I.

Jacques Cousteau was even the director of the museum for several years.

We wandered all around the stunning building taking pictures before entering.

We loved these mosaic floors in the entryway.

This kind of beautiful detail was found all over the museum, which made the building as much a marvel as the exhibits.

Ornate stonework throughout.

The museum is more than just an aquarium.  It’s really a museum of the sea.  All different aspects of marine life, historical and present day, are highlighted.

The lowest level of the museum is filled with aquariums.

We stared into tons of blue aquariums, mesmerized by Mediterranean sea life.

In addition to all the collections of sea life in skeletal and stuffed forms, there were several modern art exhibitions happening at the Musée Océanographique.

Of the different modern exhibitions, my favorites were these pirate-like metal skeletons that were on fire.

I was totally fascinated by them.  I think there were three or four different ones.

 

Another whole hall was dedicated to maritime travel.  Old ship models and maps made up a history of sea faring.

On top of the museum was a little cafe with lots of outdoor seating, as well as a playground of sorts.  We thought this was so cute.

The views from the top of the Musée Océanographique were of course, breath-taking.

We spent a good bit of time enjoying the rooftop before we headed back down to the exit.  You exit through the museum shop which was full of cute sea treasures.

If you only have time to go into one building in Monaco, the Musée Océanographique would be my first choice.  Mary Polly and I both named it our favorite part of our dreamy day in Monaco.