The Museum
of Prehistoric Anthropology was founded by Prince Albert I in 1902 “to conserve traces of early humankind exhumed in the Principality
and neighbouring regions.”
The numerous collections which have been brought
together in the Museum over more than a century represent the various phases of
regional prehistory and protohistory. The majority of the archaeological and
palaeontological exhibits come from the Principality and neighbouring areas
(France and Italy).
A
little history
Following a long series
of excavations in the Grimaldi Caves (1895–1902), ordered and financed by
Prince Albert I, it became necessary and indispensable to have a single place
where all of the items found could be kept in order to preserve and exhibit
them.
The first
Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology was located on the Rocher.
In 1902,
Prince Albert I chose the former Government House building for the Museum and
appointed Canon Léonce de Villeneuve as Director.
In 1960,
the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology moved to a new building in the middle of
the Exotic Garden. The Museum’s new home was designed by Monegasque architect
Louis Rué. The scientific research and archaeological digs carried out by a
succession of teams from the Museum (L. Barral, S. Simone) will further enrich
the institution’s collections.
The collections
on display enable visitors to trace the major steps in the evolution of
humanity through the various glacial and interglacial periods. They teach us
that over a million years ago, the French Riviera was already a favoured
habitat for our ancient ancestors.As a research institute, the Museum continues to
conduct field digs, carry out laboratory studies and publish an annual
scientific bulletin.
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«A mammoth in Monaco! This exceptional woolly mammoth skeleton
arrived at the Museum in 2014.»
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The mammoth
skeleton (Mammuthus primigenius) is an exceptional example, conserved
for scientific purposes (palaeontology, dating) and for exhibition. Excavated in Siberia, 1,000 kilometres east of the
Lena River, several expeditions (1991 to 2003) were needed to collect the
numerous skeletal remains from the permafrost. Using the various remains,
mounted on a metallic structure, it has been possible to recreate an adult
proboscidean 5 metres long, 3.30 metres high and 2.20 metres wide.
Today, temporary exhibitions are held
on a variety of themes:
“Let’s Settle at the Museum.
Paleolithic Groups of 25,000 Years Ago: Between the Sea and the Mountains”,
“Monoïkos – The Ancient History of the Principality”, “The Secret of Stones”,
“The Mysterious Okuniev Civilisation”, “Preconceptions in Prehistory”, “On the
Trail of the First Artists: Draw Me a Bison” and “Conquering Fire”.
Archaeological
sites in Monaco
Numerous archaeological
digs have been carried out by teams from the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropologyin Monaco. Field work and laboratory study continue to this day (E.
Rossoni-Notter, O. Notter, P. Simon, S. Simone in collaboration with
international teams).
There are
a number of archaeological sites in the Principality of Monaco. The Observatory
Cave still retains the oldest traces of occupation. It is currently being
excavated and the finds are being studied in the laboratory.
OPENING HOURS:
9am to 6pm
Closed on 19 November (National Holiday) and 25
December.
ADMISSION (PER PERSON):
Adults: €7
Free for children under 10 and Monegasques (ID required).
Schools and groups: guided tours and workshops/activities available - advance booking required.
Tickets
are valid for entry to the Exotic Garden and the Observatory Cave (closed until 2025).
Workshops
for children are available on request.
Email : erossoni-notter@gouv.mc - map@gouv.mc
Tel : +377 98 98 80 06
Please note that the museum is not accessible for persons with reduced mobility.