The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco has introduced three new features designed to enrich the visitor experience. A renovated tank, an audiovisual setup in the Conference Room, and new plaques honoring patrons were inaugurated in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II. These achievements reflect a desire to recognize the pioneers, partners, and benefactors who support the Oceanographic Institute.
The Oceanographic Museum has chosen to place this inaugural sequence under the sign of gratitude. Robert Calcagno, director of the Oceanographic Institute, summed up the spirit of the day: “There is one word that sums up the spirit of this inaugural sequence: gratitude. Gratitude towards the visionary creators of the tank now named ‘Jean Jaubert,’ who, more than thirty years ago, demonstrated that it was possible to nurture and grow corals in a closed environment; gratitude towards those who have shaped our history and continue to make it shine; finally, gratitude towards our patrons, whose trust and loyalty inspire and propel us toward the future.”
The inauguration program was structured around three components. The first involved the complete renovation of a coral tank. The second focused on the implementation of an audiovisual system in the Conference Room. The third consisted of unveiling new plaques paying tribute to the patrons and partners.
The Jean Jaubert tank, between science and transmission
The coral tank inaugurated in 1990 has undergone a complete restoration. Renamed the “Jean Jaubert tank,” it pays tribute to the former director of the Oceanographic Museum and pioneer of coral farming. The operation allowed for the stabilization of the structure and the preservation of nearly 80 coral colonies.
The technical and aquarist teams worked on two fronts. On one side, the living components: moving species, acclimatization, and refilling with water. On the other, the technical aspects: increasing the volume, redesigning the decor, and installing a 1.7-ton panoramic window. This setup offers a broader view of the corals and fish.
The tank maintains a scientific dimension. It was one of the first in the world to host a coral reef in an artificial environment. It also saw the birth of the coral cutting technique, now used in many aquariums. Each year, about 300 cuttings are made in the Museum’s reserve before being installed in the aquariums.
An educational fresco animated by digital projection now complements the space. It explains the role of coral reefs and raises awareness of their fragility.
The Conference Room, a living memory of the Museum
The Conference Room, 40 meters long, welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. It has hosted scientific, political, and artistic figures. To enhance this memory, an audiovisual system has been installed.
A 12-minute film retraces more than a century of commitment. It mixes archives and contemporary images, from documents of Prince Albert I to current initiatives. Eight sound modules accompany the tour. They give voice to figures like Commander Cousteau, Anita Conti, and John Kerry.
These devices reinstate the room as a place of transmission. They also recall significant moments: the 1959 conference on radioactive waste, the Monaco Call in 2008 on ocean acidification, and the first edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative in 2010.
Plaques to honor benefactors
The third part of the inauguration was devoted to patrons. Three new plaques were unveiled in the Hall of Honor. They bear the names of institutions, companies, and individuals who support the Oceanographic Institute.
These inscriptions symbolize a lasting commitment. They remind us that many projects come to life thanks to these financial supports and the loyalty of partners. Etched in stone, they reflect the solidity of the ties between the Institute and its benefactors.
By bringing together these three initiatives, the Oceanographic Museum aimed to highlight its history, its actors, and its supporters. The renovated tank illustrates the continuity of research and education. The Conference Room recalls the debates and meetings that have marked ocean protection. The plaques honor those who support the Institute in its projects.
