The Musée océanographique de Monaco has received international recognition for its innovative approach to environmental education after winning a prestigious MONDO-DR Award in the Museum category.
The accolade was presented during the InfoComm exhibition in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 17, honouring the museum’s immersive attraction, Oceano Odyssey – Mission Pelagos, one of the centrepieces of its ongoing Mediterranean 2050exhibition.
Presented annually by specialist publication MONDO-DR, the awards celebrate excellence in audiovisual technology, immersive storytelling and visitor engagement across museums, cultural institutions, attractions and entertainment venues worldwide. The Monaco project was selected from a shortlist of four international finalists following evaluation by an independent panel of industry experts and a vote from professionals working in the sector.
Developed by the Institut océanographique de Monaco in partnership with creative agency Artisans d’Idées, Oceano Odyssey invites visitors to imagine a future Mediterranean Sea restored through successful conservation efforts and environmental action.
The experience transports guests aboard a fictional research vessel exploring the Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected marine area in the north-western Mediterranean. Combining scientific content with large-scale digital storytelling, the installation uses advanced visual and audio technology to create a highly immersive environment inside the museum’s historic Whale Room.
The attraction features 27 4K laser projectors, spatialised sound design and specially created photorealistic imagery, allowing visitors to embark on a virtual scientific expedition while discovering the challenges and opportunities facing marine ecosystems.
Museum officials said the award recognises their commitment to developing new ways of engaging audiences with ocean conservation issues by combining science, technology and emotion.
Robert Calcagno, Director General of the Institut océanographique de Monaco, said the project reflects the institution’s long-standing mission to inspire greater understanding and protection of the marine world.
He noted that innovative technologies can play a powerful role in bringing people closer to environmental challenges while encouraging positive action for the future of the oceans.