The Oceanographic Institute of Monaco is embarking on a new mission to safeguard marine ecosystems with Mediterranean 2050, an immersive exhibition designed to inspire action for ocean preservation. Housed within the Oceanographic Museum from 29th March, this cutting-edge experience will span over 1,000m², guiding visitors on a journey through time to explore the Mediterranean’s past and present, with a glimpse into a hopeful future where effective conservation methods are in place.
As part of a broader initiative to protect the Mediterranean—an ecosystem teeming with over 17,000 marine species—the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco’s Mediterranean 2050 exhibition seeks to shed light on the urgent environmental challenges threatening this biodiversity hotspot.
Through engaging, interactive displays and stunning projections, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the sea’s ecological significance and discover tangible solutions to ensure its future.
A journey through time
The exhibition, opening on 29th March at the Oceanographic Museum, will unfold across four thematic zones, beginning with Temple of the Sea, where visitors can step through illuminated portals symbolising a passage through time, guided by majestic marine mammals. The journey will continue in Oceanomania Lounge, home to the world’s largest marine-themed curiosity cabinet, where a towering sperm whale sculpture will come to life with motion-activated projections, narrating the Mediterranean’s past.
Next, visitors can delve into Monaco’s enduring commitments to marine conservation in Oceano Monaco. This space will celebrate the legacies of Prince Albert I, a trailblazer in oceanography, Prince Rainier III, and Prince Albert II, a steadfast advocate for ocean protection. Interactive screens and educational games will highlight the Principality’s ongoing efforts to tackle marine conservation challenges.
See more: Free entry for kids at Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum during the winter holidays
The adventure will then take a leap into the future with Oceano Odyssey. Aboard a virtual underwater vessel, guests can fast-forward to 2050, where the Mediterranean, having met the ambitious 30×30 goal of protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030, is thriving. A 310m² projection will immerse visitors in a vibrant underwater sanctuary, home to iconic species such as loggerhead turtles, swordfish, sharks, sperm whales and Risso’s dolphins.
The journey will culminate with My OCEANO Med, an interactive space where visitors can engage in hands-on conservation challenges, making choices that directly impact virtual marine ecosystems. Through real-time projections, they witness how individual and collective actions influence the delicate balance of the ocean’s flora and fauna, reinforcing the urgency of marine preservation.
For more information on Mediterranean 2050, click here.
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