Prince Albert I of Monaco

Born on the 13^th November 1848, died on the 26^th June 1922, Prince Albert I of Monaco dedicated an important part of his life to oceanography. At 17 years old, he joins the Spanish Navy until 1868. Two years later, he takes part in the war as Vessel Lieutenant in the French Navy.

In 1873, Prince Albert I acquires a 200-ton sailing boat, the Hirondelle, with which he travels the Mediterranean and the Antarctic to the Azores. For ten years, he acquires knowledge that will lead to a magnificent career as navigator and scholar from 1884.

From 1885, Prince Albert I of Monaco wishes to create a marine biology laboratory in the Principality. during the Universal Expo in Paris in 1889, his scientific collections are presented in the pavilion of Monaco and generate immense interest. The Prince therefore envisions his final plan: the Oceanographic Museum.

The first stone is laid on the 25^th April 1899. The inauguration, celebrated exceptionally throughout the Principality, takes place on the 29^th March 1910.


Presentation of the Oceanographic Institute

Documents à télécharger

• Speech on the ocean by Prince Albert I of Monaco - 25 April 1925

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Prince Albert I