Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Nausicaá, the national center of the sea, is a complex dedicated to the discovery of the marine environment, inaugurated in 1991 in Boulogne-sur-Mer. He was born from the initiative of Guy Lengagne, mayor of the city, who obtained regional, departmental and European funding to implement this ambitious project. The name Nausicaá pays tribute to the Pheiacian princess of the Odyssey and also evokes the former casino of Boulogne-sur-Mer, formerly located on this site.

The centre is distinguished by its playful, educational and scientific approach, focusing on the relationship between man and the sea. It is home to 17 million litres of seawater, 58,000 marine animals and areas such as the 10,000 m3 basin, recreating the Malpelo island ecosystem. In 1998, he was awarded the UNESCO "Centre of Excellence" for his actions to raise awareness of the marine environment.

Since its opening, Nausicaá has experienced several major extensions, notably in 2018 with the addition of a giant aquarium and a pole dedicated to polar ecosystems. Despite incidents such as the death of hammer sharks between 2011 and 2019, the centre remains a key player in the preservation of the oceans. In 2022, he signed a convention with ADEME to raise public awareness of the protection of marine resources.

The use of Nausicaá makes it the first tourist site in Pas-de-Calais and the second in Hauts-de-France, with more than 800,000 annual visitors on average. In 2023, he welcomed his 20 millionth visitor. A new extension, centred on the Far North and financed by EUR 17 million from the European Union, is planned for 2028.

The centre also engages in innovative projects, such as Immersion in augmented reality Large-Wide (2022) or campaigns like Mr Goodfish for sustainable fishing. However, its economic model, based on a mixed economy company (MES), was undermined by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, resulting in a 83-day closure and increased debt.

Nausicaá is a major player in marine scientific culture, combining entertainment, education and research. Its architecture, signed by Jacques Rougerie, and its temporary exhibitions make it a dynamic place, constantly evolving to respond to contemporary environmental issues.

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