Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology

Overview

The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco presents archaeological findings from the Monaco region and the wider western Mediterranean. Founded in 1902 by Prince Albert I, it documents human habitation from the Paleolithic to the Bronze Age.

Highlights

• Grimaldi Caves Finds: Artefacts from the nearby Grimaldi Caves, including Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon remains dating back 200,000 years.
• Burial Reconstructions: Life-sized recreations of prehistoric burial sites found in the Monaco area.
• Stone Tool Collection: An extensive display of flint tools, pottery, and ornaments tracing human technological evolution.

History

Prince Albert I founded the museum in 1902 to house finds from the excavations of the Grimaldi Caves near the Italian border. These caves yielded some of Europe's most important Paleolithic human remains and are key to understanding early human migration along the Riviera.

Visitor Tips

• Location: On Le Rocher near the Exotic Garden; combine with a visit to the garden and its cave.
• Compact Visit: The museum is small but dense with information.
• Duration: 45 minutes–1 hour.