The first thing that strikes you as you enter the Oceanographic Museum is that the building is going to be every bit as stunning as the fish - and it is.
This is the main entrance hall with a sculpture of Prince Albert I of Monaco (1848 - 1922), mariner and scientist and founder of the musuem.
As a young man, Prince Albert I served in the Spanish Navy, but during the Franco-Prussian War, he joined the French Navy where he was awarded the Legion of Honor. He was only 22 years old when he began to develop an interest in the then relatively new science of oceanography. After several years of study, Albert showed his ingenuity by devising a number of techniques and instruments used for measurement and exploration. Accompanied by some of the world's leading marine scientists, he recorded numerous oceanographic studies, maps and charts. He then founded what would become the world renowned Oceanographic Institute which is based here, at the museum, and in Paris. We'll learn more as we continue our visit.
The tentacles of the octupus are part of a exhibition - more another day.
Prince Albert I, (click to see him in the Saint Martin Gardens looking out to sea) is the great grandfather of the current ruler of Monaco, Albert II.
More tomorrow...
In this area of the Oceanographic Museum, you find stuffed fish, a polar bear, replicas of ships, a walrus, even a mermaid (albeit a mock-up!) and all in an environment resplendent with beautiful chandeliers. You'll also find some of the 450 decorated shells, part of the Ginestet collection acquired by the museum in 1992.
The Hall of Zoological Oceanography, renamed Salle Albert Ier in 2004, features a mock-up of one of three laboratories on the Hirondelle II.
There are a lot of skeletons in the Museum. I didn't note who this creature once was but I'd guess a giant turtle.
In the west wing of the Museum, the Hall of Applied Oceanography, renamed the Whale Hall in 2004, displays a series of skeletons of marine mammals.
When Prince Albert I of Monaco created the Oceanographic Museum, he wanted to associate art with science and so throughout the building and on the facades outside, you'll find many incredible works of art.
The first thing that strikes you as you enter the Oceanographic Museum is that the building is going to be every bit as stunning as the fish - and it is.
These photos of the Oceanographic Museum on le rocher are by way of introduction to a series that starts on Monday.
Can't you just hear the music! This sculpture - Melody by Arman - stands on le rocher just above Port Hercule.
It's not all caviar and champagne in Monaco...
Yesterday was a glorious day - t-shirt weather.
This picture frame/sculpture stands on le rocher, overlooking Port Hercule. People love to stand in the frame and have their photograph taken. Unfortunately if you look at it full on, there is a massive palm tree in the way but it's a rather lovely idea, don't you think?
One last look at the Palace Guards as they hand over their duties. Then a quick turn and off they go to get into the white bus that awaits them.
Each day at noon, you can watch the changing of the guard outside the Prince's Palace.
This has to be one of the best situated children's playgrounds, don't you think? Not sure what they are playing as I don't see a ball...
You don't expect to see a shepherd and sheep in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. And you certainly don't expect the bronze shepherd to have painted fingernails...
