This landmark museum comprises three floors of exhibition space devoted to almost everything there is to know about Bordeaux' maritime world, including its history, science, culture and traditions. Themes include the history of navigation and discovery, naval battles, the scientific conquest of the Atlantic and the fascinating world of oceanography. The building – a striking work of contemporary architecture designed to look like an ocean liner – was designed by local Bordeaux architect Olivier Brochet.
In front of the main entrance, the shimmering 7m-tall shark strung up like a hunting trophy was sculpted by French artist Philippe Pasqua in 2017. It evokes the estimated 100 million sharks killed worldwide by humans each year, risking the species' eventual extermination.
