The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco inaugurates a novel and immersive exhibition: Mediterranean 2050. This space-time odyssey invites the public to discover the metamorphosis of the Big Blue, from the past to an idealized future. A unique experience spread over more than 1,000 m², designed to raise awareness and mobilize visitors around the challenges of preserving the Mediterranean.
A unique sea under pressure
The Mediterranean, a true biodiversity hotspot, hosts 17,000 marine species, which is 7.5% of the world’s fauna and 18% of the marine flora. However, it is also one of the seas most threatened by pollution, climate change, and overexploitation. Currently, 8.33% of its waters are classified as protected, but only 0.04% benefit from effective protection. The exhibition is part of the goal 30×30, which aims to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030.
An immersive and interactive journey
Mediterranean 2050 is divided into several themed spaces offering total immersion:
Oceanomania: The Memory of the Mediterranean
The marine curiosity cabinet highlights the natural and cultural wealth of this exceptional sea. Visitors stroll around a monumental 4-meter-tall sperm whale sculpture, where interactive projections tell the story of the Mediterranean, its explorations, and its hidden treasures. This space offers a first immersion into challenges and solutions for preserving this unique ecosystem.
Oceano Monaco: The Princely Commitment to the Ocean
This journey through time retraces the historical commitment of the princes of Monaco to ocean protection. From the scientific expeditions of Prince Albert I to Prince Albert II of Monaco, a fervent defender of the marine world, through the actions of Prince Rainier III, this interactive space highlights the Principality’s constant involvement. A serious game engages visitors in managing a Marine Protected Area, illustrating critical decisions for preserving marine ecosystems.
Oceano Odyssey: A Leap Forward to 2050
Plunged into an immersive 310 m² projection, visitors embark on a journey in 2050 at the heart of the Pelagos sanctuary, where conservation efforts have borne fruit. In this underwater environment teeming with life, they discover iconic species such as fin whales, groupers, and loggerhead turtles. Thanks to an ultra-realistic reconstruction, everyone can observe the benefits of ocean protection and understand the stakes of a sustainable future.
My Oceano Med: Visitor Engagement
The final step in the journey places visitors as agents of change. Through interactive challenges, they choose concrete actions to protect the Mediterranean and observe in real time the impact of their decisions. A web application extends this experience, allowing everyone to create and manage their own virtual Marine Protected Area.
An experience extended by technology
The exhibition integrates cutting-edge immersive devices: interactive projections, serious games, mobile apps, and virtual reality. The animation ImmerSEAve VR offers a sensory dive into the heart of a Marine Protected Area, providing an intuitive understanding of the benefits of conservation.
A call to action
The exhibition does not merely inform; it invites action. The public is encouraged to voice their expectations to decision-makers and adopt responsible behaviors for a sustainable future. Book your ticket now and dive into the future of the Mediterranean!
Practical Information
- Location : Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
- Date : from March 29, 2025
- Official site : oceano.org
opening image © Artisans d’idées