A Prince Who Dreamed of the Sea

It was on September 1st, 1896, that D. Carlos launched, with a small crew, on board the Amelia, the 1st Portuguese oceanographic campaign. 

The monarch carried out a total of 12 campaigns collecting many rare deep-sea species, such as the specimens of sharks displayed in this showcase at the Atrium.

Something remarkable happened in D. Carlos scientific projects. They all resulted from extensive collaborations with the most diverse and unlikely partners. 

 From his mentor, Prince Albert of Monaco, with whom he profusely exchanged correspondence, to the respect for the hard-won knowledge of fishermen and hunters, with whom he deepened arts and techniques.

D. Carlos set up a laboratory with aquariums at Cidadela, in Cascais, to transfer specimens that were kept on board in buckets of sea water.

He obtained magnificent results such as these tunicates, which maintain a remarkable state of conservation, more than 100 years later.

D. Carlos had drawing teachers and a painting master, Enrique Casanova, leaving behind a vast artistic work.


However, the monarch illustrated only a few species of animals and work scenes on board, combining the languages of art and science.

The first photographs of plankton microscopic preparations in Europe were taken by D. Carlos during his campaigns.


The monarch knew that the study of plankton would explain the abundance and distribution of many marine species exploited commercially for food.

D. Carlos I collection has an undated watercolour by Enrique Casanova, which represents the futuristic vision of a public aquarium.


Today we are also called to use the power of our imagination, in a different way. It is urgent to imagine a future for our habitats and aquatic species.