The ceremony which is taking place in the presence of a distinguished audience is evidence of the progress of a science which, though still young, is firmly established in intellectual life.
Now the science of the ocean enters into possession of this place on which the architect has impressed the conception of his genius, thus fulfilling my desire of paying the same honors to the two directive forces of civilization - Art and Science. It enters into this palace, where the first echoes that have resounded among its walls and columns has increased the prestige of two leaders in the musical world.
Oceanography now owns fleets to explore the abyss, savants to develop its riches, chairs to educate its teachers and spread its pursuit abroad.
Here, gentlemen, you see on the territory of Monaco has arisen a proud and inviolable temple dedicated to the new divinity which reigns over the intellect. AS for me, I have lent the forces of my brain, of my conscience, and my sovereignty to the extension of scientific truth on the only ground where the elements of a stable civilization can mature guaranteed against the inconstancy of human laws.
Gentlemen, I open the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco in order to hand it over to the servants of scientific truth. In it they will find quiet, independence, and the emulation which fertilizes thought, When their thoughts wander from this monument over the blue waters veil the mystery of origin, they can sweep all around the world, coming in contact with organisms which hand down to us the story of the ages. When they skirt the flank of our mountains, or rest in their caverns, or in the midst of remains dead generations, they can plunge into dreams called forth by the history of the Earth. And if they mount to the summits which dominate the entire horizon, they will easily reach the recesses of the universe, there to lose themselves in the secret of our destiny.
Albert 1, Prince of Monaco
Opening hours
The Oceanographic Museum is open every day of the year except the day of the Formula 1 Grand-Prix (usually end of May)
January - February - March : 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
April - May - June : 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
July - August : 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM
September : 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
October - November - December : 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tickets / Entrance fees
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page", St. Augustine said. Here at www.travel-university.org we believe that every page must be read and explored. Travel is an avenue of learning that no text or classroom can teach. The world is a living classroom and you the student. We invite you to the www.travel-university.org library where you can read general interest and detail oriented articles.
Prince Albert 1