Oceano Monaco
Discover the Northbound Connected by the Sea exhibition from March 19 to June 19, 2022 at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.
The Museum Kunst der Westküste, located in Alkersum (island of Föhr) in Germany, presents the Northbound exhibition. Comprising 24 paintings and photographs, these historical and contemporary works illustrate the role of the North Sea and the importance of preserving its coastal and maritime areas.
The Northbound exhibition , which is part of the Monaco Ocean Week programme, will be complemented by a scientific symposium, “The North Sea, a Sea of Solutions”, on May 11, 2022.
AN INVITATION TO TRAVEL IN 4 STOPS
From Föhr (Northern Germany) to the Netherlands, from Denmark to Norway.
An epicontinental sea in northwest Europe, the North Sea is revealed through an exclusive selection of paintings and photographs from the collections of the Museum Kunst der Westküste . Through the Northbound exhibition , visitors embark on a visual journey in 4 stages.
First the Netherlands, whose works are lulled by a warm tonality of grays and blues, witness Cool Early Spring on Scheveningen Pier by Isaac Israëls (1865–1934).
Then, on to Denmark, where the many painters of Skagen, a small village in the north of the country, capture in their compositions a blue penumbra, specific to Danish outdoor painting since the 1880s, which can be found in particular in Fresh Day in June on Skagen by Laurits Tuxen (1853-1927). Summer evenings on Skagen’s beach by Peder Severin Krøyer (1851-1909) – a work on loan from the Broere Charitable Foundation, patron of the Oceanographic Institute – is also a famous example.
In Norway, landscapes take on a romantic and emotive design, such as A Norwegian Fjord in Summer by Georg Anton Rasmussen .
Finally, the route highlights the wonderful island of Föhr, in the Friesland region of Germany, with surprising cultural and scenic characteristics. Otto H. Engel (1866-1949) illustrates it vividly: through seaside landscapes reinforced by the presence of pictorial figures such as Evening Beach Scene, the interior of Frisian houses with Frisian Parlor, or its inhabitants with In Front of the Mirror, showing a woman from Föhr wearing traditional costume and adjusting her embroidered headscarf.
CONNECTED BY THE SEA
All of the works presented have the sea as their common denominator. For centuries, artists have challenged themselves to “capture” this motif which knows no end.
In constant movement, the sea constantly varies: its overall appearance, its colors, its character. Sometimes the sea captivates with its calm, smooth, reflective surface. Sometimes it “boils” and pulverizes. Sometimes it is immersed in green, blue, or gray, punctuated by white ridges formed by the waves.
By creating a unique dialogue between historical and contemporary works, the Northbound exhibition invites visitors to explore the role of the North Sea throughout history, and in particular in the intercultural exchanges between the island of Föhr, Germany in the North, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway.
These spaces are also linked by threat – that of climate change, pollution and overfishing. By making Northbound visitors appreciate the beauties and specificities of the North Sea region, it is a question of drawing their attention to the importance of coastal protection and encouraging as many people as possible to be responsible towards the nature.
‘THE NORTH SEA, A SEA OF SOLUTIONS’
The exhibition will be complemented by a scientific symposium open to the general public. It will deal, through a cross-sectional approach, with the challenges to be met and the exemplary experiences in terms of preserving the marine environment for the North Sea and the Mediterranean.
This meeting will be led by Peter Herzig, former director of the GEOMAR Institute.
About the Museum Kunst der Westküste
The Museum Kunst der Westküste opened in 2009 in Alkersum, a municipality on the island of Föhr, Germany. This non-profit museum was founded by entrepreneur Frederik Paulsen, like his ancestors from this village. It is linked to the ancient history of the “Grethiens Gasthof” inn, which was a place of welcome and meetings for many artists of the 19th century . Bringing this social and artistic meeting place back to life was the reason for the creation of the museum as well as its restaurant.
The Museum Kunst der Westküste collects, researches and presents? works of art that address themes of the sea and the coast. The focus is on the west coast countries of the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Norway on art from the 19th to the 21st century .
About the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
A prestigious location, backed by the mythical Rock of Monaco, it is the “flagship” of the Oceanographic Institute, Albert I Foundation , Prince of Monaco, and attracts more than 650,000 visitors a year. Beyond its remarkable architecture, it is distinguished by its world-renowned aquarium, its exhibitions and events and the alliance of art and science. A place of culture and exchange, where experiences relating to the protection of the ocean are confronted, the Oceanographic Museum organizes and hosts symposiums of international scope.
About the island of Föhr
The green island of Föhr in the North Sea lies in the middle of the Wadden Sea, a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, where twice a day a breathtaking natural spectacle takes place when the force of the tide pushes water back for miles and exposes large areas of the seabed. The natural environment of the island is characterized by vast white sand beaches, vast green marshes and a mild maritime climate. These qualities have earned Föhr the controversial nickname of “Frisian Caribbean”, which alludes to another characteristic of the island: the Frisian culture. Even today, many beautiful traditional Frisian houses with thatched roofs can be found on the island. In addition, one of the “smallest” minority languages in Europe, “föhr Frisian” or “fering”, is still alive there and actively spoken by some 2,000 islanders. And young girls and women still wear traditional costumes on special occasions. These living Frisian traditions are closely linked to life at sea and offshore. Thus, traditional clothing developed only for the women of Föhr, as they were often alone, while the men sailed at sea.
THE VIRTUAL TOUR
Discover the Museum from your living room! Thanks to a high-definition 360° camera stroll, discover the atmospheres of our sumptuous building!
On the ground floor, enjoy the majesty of our rooms: Princess Alice Hall, Salon d’Honneur, Conference Room. On the first floor, explore the largest cabinet of curiosities dedicated to the ocean in the world, Oceanomania, the interactive space Monaco and the Ocean and the Salle de la Baleine. On the top floor, enjoy the restaurant La Terrasse, the Turtle Island and the playground with your children.
In the depths of the Museum await you grandiose aquariums of the Mediterranean and tropical seas as well as the brand new space L’Odyssée des Tortues Marines, partly outdoors.
Maps
Opening Hours
Video
FAQ's
IS IT POSSIBLE TO ORDER AN ITEM SEEN IN THE MUSEUM SHOP?
Yes : you just have to send your request directly to the shop via the contact form, which you will find at this address :
FROM WHAT AGE CAN MY CHILD VISIT THE MUSEUM?
The Museum is open to visitors 9 months to 99 years of age!
IS THE MUSEUM SUITABLE FOR PUSHCHAIRS?
Only level -1 is accessible via the stairs. The other floors and rooms in the Musuem are accessible by lift.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED?
No, including small dogs in transport bags. Only guide dogs for the blind are allowed. We do not have a kennel; there is however one that can look after your pet only a few metres from the Museum.
HOW DO VISITS WITH COMBINED TICKETS WORK (MUSEM + PALACE, MUSEUM + EXOTIC GARDEN, ETC.)?
You can choose how to organise your day. The Palace is 5 minutes’ walk from the Museum.
DO YOU ACCEPT HOLIDAY VOUCHERS?
No, and e-tickets may also not be purchased by giving the reference of the holiday vouchers.
CAN TICKETS BOOKED ONLINE BE PRESENTED VIA SMARTPHONE OR TABLET?
Yes, absolutely. Just present a legible display of your ticket (bar code) on the screen of your device at the Museum entrance.
CAN YOU BUY ENTRY TICKETS ONLINE?
Yes. To save time, you can buy your tickets from the Oceanographic Museum website. You won’t even have to queue up! Purchases are by secure transaction and by credit card. Tickets are valid for the date selected only. You can download your ticket to your smartphone or print it out. N.B. we do not send e-tickets by post.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR FREE ADMISSION?
Entry is free for Monaco residents, on presentation of proof of address, and for children up to the age of 4. Proof should also be provided for children where possible.
WHICH CAR PARK SHOULD WE USE AND WHAT ARE THE PARKING RATES?
The Les Pêcheurs car park is the closest (take the lifts) and rates vary depending on the day.
WHAT IS MONACO DOING FOR THE CORAL?
Various institutions involved in the knowledge and protection of the oceans (Oceanographic Institute, Scientific Centre of Monaco, Prince Albert II Foundation, Explorations de Monaco) have combined forces to raise public awareness and act in favour of the survival of coral reefs. High-level scientific research, organization of symposiums, political influence, mobilization of the media, financing of NGO projects… The actions are numerous.
WHY DOES CORAL TURN WHITE?
Corals host microalgae, called zooxanthellae, in their tissues. They are the ones that give the corals their colors. Depending on the pigments they contain, corals abhor pretty hues ranging from orange brown to purple.
Why do corals bleach?
When the algae are stressed, they are expelled by the coral and it is then that their transparent tissues reveal the white skeleton. This stress is caused either by bacteria or viruses (the corals are then sick) or by pollutants, or by the rise in temperature of the sea water.
IS THERE CORAL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN?
Corals belong to the large family of Cnidaria, which includes marine invertebrates that have stinging cells such as jellyfish, gorgonians and sea anemones. Corals do not only live in tropical seas. Under the name coral, we find different species, some of which live in the Mediterranean. In particular the famous red coral, the one whose skeleton is used to make magnificent jewellery.
WHAT IS A MARINE PROTECTED AREA?
A Marine Protected Area (or MPA) is a delimited area at sea that meets the objectives of nature protection (fauna, flora, ecosystems) and the sustainable development of economic activities such as sustainable fishing and responsible tourism
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF CORAL?
Some coral species are being studied to better understand calcification or the spread of disease, while others are being studied for their molecules that protect against sunlight or aging. Corals are the basis of many research projects to find tomorrow’s drugs or cosmetics or to understand how certain diseases are formed.
HOW DO CORALS REPRODUCE?
Like all animals, coral reproduces sexually (by releasing sperm and eggs) but also asexually (by taking cuttings like a plant)! Let’s discover the mysterious reproduction of corals.
IS THERE BLUEFIN TUNA FROM AQUACULTURE?
Unlike many marine species (salmon, sea bass, sea bream), the aquaculture of large tunas is not perfectly mastered and continues to be the subject of extensive experimentation in several countries (Australia, Japan, Europe) in order to carry out the complete cycle of farming over several generations, with a view to eliminating catches at sea and maximising profits.
HOW ARE BLUEFIN TUNA CAUGHT?
Bluefin tuna are caught by trawl, hook (handline, troll, longline) or in “traps” (fixed traps near the coast) but they are mostly caught by tuna seiners. In the Mediterranean, more than 90% of bluefin tuna catches are made using this method. These hypersophisticated, powerful and fast industrial fishing vessels (speeding at 16 knots or 50 km/h) are capable of detecting shoals thanks to state-of-the-art electronics (radar, sonar).
HOW ARE BLUEFIN TUNA STOCKS MANAGED?
In the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas (including the Mediterranean), the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) which is in charge of the conservation and sustainable exploitation of all tuna species and other pelagic commercial species living in the area (swordfish, marlin, sharks).
IS BLUEFIN TUNA THREATENED BY OVERFISHING?
In the 2015 European Red List of Marine Fishes compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Atlantic bluefin tuna is listed as Near Threatened. Overfishing and overcapacity of fishing fleets are the main cause of the depletion of bluefin tuna.
WILL THE MEDITERRANEAN BLUEFIN TUNA DISAPPEAR?
Bluefin tuna is one of the most commercially valuable fish species. The management of bluefin tuna fisheries has long been a symbol of the international community’s difficulty in sustainably managing this rare and fragile resource. Industry professionals and conservation groups are trying to organize themselves to preserve stocks.
ARE THERE ANY WHALES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN?
Are there any whales in the Mediterranean? The answer is yes! There are several thousand whales living in the waters of the Mediterranean. It is even not uncommon to see their breath from far away, on crossings to Corsica, for example. Take note, however: human activity is a source of disturbance for this giant mammals,
WHICH SEA TURTLES LIVE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN?
Which sea turtles live in the Mediterranean? 6 marine turtles are present in the Mediterranean The Mediterranean has 46,000 km of coastline and covers 2.5 million km2 , or less than 1% of the total ocean surface. Well known as a global biodiversity hotspot, it is home to six of the seven species of marine
MEDITERRANEAN RED TUNA: TOWARDS AN IMPROVEMENT?
Mediterranean red tuna: towards an improvement? Red tuna is one of the most sought-after fish commercially. Managing red tuna fishing has for a long time been symbolic of the international community’s difficulty in managing this rare and fragile resource sustainably.Industry professionals and protection associations are striving to get organised in order to preserve stocks.
