Skip to main content
Mission Neptune

June 6–8, 2026 · Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle — Paris

Neptune: The Blue Planet in Paris

On the occasion of World Ocean Day, Paris becomes — for one weekend — the capital of ocean exploration. At the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle and the Jardin des Plantes, Mission Neptune offers the public a free programme blending cinema, science, exploration and imagination, alongside the Neptune Forum on Monday 8 June, a major international gathering devoted to the Ocean as a planetary system of life and cooperation.

Ocean Dreams

Exploring Planet Ocean

June 6, 7 & 8 — 10am to 6pm

Museum entrance at 36 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire

Free and open to all

With Ocean Dreams, in the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution and the Jardin des Plantes, the public is invited on an immersive journey: from the Amazon to the Ocean, three venues become chapters of a single story. A photographic installation, an exploration film festival and live encounters weave knowledge and emotion together, recalling one truth — we all belong to a single living world on our Ocean Planet.

  • Neptune Explorers Cinema

    Ocean exploration films and stories

    Auditorium of the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution

    See the programmeBook tickets

  • Botos, Spirits of the Amazon

    Photographic installation

    Grande Galerie de l'Évolution, beneath the whales

    See the installation

    Free entrance, open to all — no booking needed.

  • Ocean Dreams – Stories of Hope

    Immersive projection

    Neptune Explorers Dome

    See the experienceBook tickets

8 June: The Neptune Forum

Exploring the Blue Planet

Amphithéâtre Verniquet — Jardin des Plantes entrance, 47 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris

By invitation only

Convening in Paris one year after UNOC3 in Nice, on the occasion of the United Nations World Ocean Day, the Neptune Forum is a high-level global gathering organised by Mission Neptune.

Conceived as a 'Davos of Ocean Exploration', it invites leaders, heads of scientific institutions, explorers, philanthropists, economic actors, experts and creators to address one central political question: how do we build a new international cooperation in service of life through the Ocean — a planetary system and a global commons for humanity?

Programme & speakers — June 8, 2026

Click a speaker portrait to open their full biography.

Side-event of the Neptune Forum

8am - 8.30am

Investors Working Group Breakfast

Co-led by Santiago Lefebvre, CEO of ChangeNOW, and Jonas Skattum Svegaarden, CEO of Katapult Ocean, alongside Kristiane Davidson.

A morning working session designed as a focused conversation between impact investors, innovators, venture builders, foundations and policy leaders on how to accelerate scalable solutions for Ocean resilience and regeneration through exploration, science and innovation.

View participants

Participants

  • Neila Benzina

    Wimbeetech

  • Rym Benzina

    La Saison Bleue

  • Catherine Chazal

    AXA

  • Kristiane Davidson

    Katapult Ocean

  • Vincent Doumeizel

    United Nations Global Compact

  • Aurelie Dubois

    Blue Insight Consulting

  • Quentin Dumouilla

    Regeneration.VC

  • Daniela Fernandez

    Velamar

  • Santiago Lefebvre

    ChangeNOW

  • Christian Lim

    SWEN Blue Ocean

  • Darko Manakovski

    MNK Global & Funders Forum; EU Commission

  • Nicolas Occhiminuti

    Waves of Change

  • Shari Sant

    Code Blue Foundation

  • Nathalie Sarel

    Crédit Agricole CIB

  • Andreas Schulze

    Narwhale Ventures / Narwhale Asset Management

  • Celine Schulze

    Narwhale Ventures

  • Torsten Thiele

    Global Ocean Trust

  • Inga Thordardottir

    Kanaloa

  • Minh Trinh

    Waves of Change

  • Tony Vermeire

    Hinduja Group

  1. 8.30am - 10am

    First anniversary of UNOC-3: assessment and outlook for Blue Diplomacy

    Overview

    The Neptune Forum opens with the voices that are reshaping today's ocean diplomacy. As the BBNJ Agreement enters its operational phase and the International Seabed Authority, the International Maritime Organization and the European Union strengthen their respective frameworks, this first highlight examines how the international community is reconciling freedom of the high seas, scientific responsibility and climate solidarity. Ministers, negotiators, secretaries-general and scientists will share one conclusion: the high seas can no longer be governed as a residual space, but as a planetary common good inseparable from climate, biodiversity and global trade routes. Four short sessions punctuate the morning — from the BBNJ momentum to the deep sea, from the decarbonisation of shipping to the construction of a shared governance model — to lay bare the mechanics of a diplomacy in reinvention, at the crossroads of science, law and multilateral cooperation.

    Opening

    View sessions

    Sessions

    8.45am

    Round table 1 — Governing the Ocean: an integrated approach to the water column, from the abyss to the high seas

    From deep-sea science to the BBNJ negotiations: the stakes of sovereignty and protection. Which instruments for tomorrow?

    1. Blue diplomacy

      Speakers

    2. The deep sea

      Speakers

    3. Marine Protected Areas

      Speakers

    4. Combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

      Speakers

    9.25am

    Round table 2 — Cooperation and science in the service of cleaning up maritime spaces

    From the Nice commitments to UNOC-4: maritime transport, plastic pollution, scientific compass.

    1. Global treaty against plastic pollution

      Speakers

    2. Maritime decarbonisation

      Speakers

    3. Science as the compass of an ambitious European ocean policy

      Speakers

    1. 9.55am

      Closing

      Closing

  2. 10am - 12.30pm

    Neptune in the Making

    Overview

    First Mission Neptune expeditions, first Neptune Fellowship recipients and unveiling of the Neptune Immersive Galleries. With the founding scientists and philanthropists of Mission Neptune, the Board of Trustees and the co-chairs of the Mission Neptune Scientific Council.

    Master of ceremony

    View sessions

    Sessions

    1. 10am - 10.15am

      Opening

      Speakers

    2. 10.15am - 11am

      Mission Neptune Expeditions, take off!

      Introduction

      Speakers

    3. 11am - 11.45am

      New generation of research and voices — Neptune Research Fellows & Academic Chairs

      Introduction

      Speakers

    4. 11.45am - 12.30pm

      Culture and public engagement: the Neptune Explorers' Galleries

      Introduction

      Speakers

  3. 12.30pm - 2pmBreak
  4. 2pm - 6.30pm

    Exploration and knowledge as the foundation of cooperation for Planet Ocean

    Overview

    This section is dedicated to the foundation of all ocean policy: knowledge. It will provide an overview of global exploration and observation efforts — from satellites to autonomous underwater vehicles, and from coastal stations to digital twins of the ocean

    Opening

    View sessions

    Sessions

    1. 2pm - 2.30pm

      Planet Ocean

      A global live broadcast connecting the oceans, scientific missions and coastal communities to mark World Oceans Day.

      Speakers

    2. 2.30pm - 3pm

      Inaugural address: The Ocean Nexus, from Green to Blue Deal

      By Jeremy Rifkin

      Opening

    3pm - 4.45pm

    At the frontiers of the unknown

    Three movements that map today's understanding of the Ocean: ocean intelligence built on exploration and shared data; the links between Ocean, climate and planetary stability; and the now-structural continuity between space-based observation and deep-sea dives. Sylvia Earle opens the sequence with a framing perspective.

    1. 3pm - 3.15pm

      The Deep Perspective

      Opening

    2. 3.15pm - 3.40pm

      Ocean intelligence through exploration, innovation and shared data

      Introduction

      Speakers

    3. 3.40pm - 4.10pm

      Ocean, climate and planetary stability

      Introduction

      Speakers

    4. 4.10pm - 4.45pm

      From space to the abyss — the continuity of exploration

      Introduction

      Speakers

    4.45pm - 5pmBreak
    5pm - 6.30pm

    The Living Ocean

    Beyond figures and legal frameworks, the Ocean is first and foremost a lived story — told by the peoples who navigate it, the cultures that pass it on and the sciences that reveal its life. This final movement of the afternoon weaves together testimony, Indigenous knowledge and scientific perspectives to interrogate international governance in a fragmented world.

    1. 5pm - 5.15pm

      Our Living Ocean

      Illustrated speech by Prince Hussain Aga Khan

      Opening

    2. 5.15pm - 5.50pm

      Peoples, cultures and knowledge of the Ocean

      Introduction

      Speakers

    3. 5.50pm - 6.30pm

      International governance in a fragmented world

      Speakers

  5. 6.30pm - 7pm

    High-level conclusion

    Overview

    The Forum concludes with remarks from the Minister for Higher Education, Research and Space, and the President of French Polynesia. The governance of Mission Neptune — its Patrons, Board of Trustees, and the co-chairs of the Mission and Scientific Council — will also address participants. This first edition places a strong emphasis on commitment and the next steps to be undertaken in the coming months in Brussels, Paris, and the Mission’s partner cities.

    Speakers

Three venues, one journey

Ocean Dreams and the Neptune Forum unfold across three emblematic venues of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes and the 5th arrondissement of Paris — all just a few minutes' walk from one another.

  • Grande Galerie de l'Évolution

    Neptune Explorers Cinema · Botos installation

    36 rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris

    Program Ocean Dreams — Saturday 6, Sunday 7, and Monday 8 June · 10am - 6pm · Free admission via the Muséum's online ticketing

    Open in Google Maps

  • Esplanade Milne Edwards (Jardin des Plantes)

    Neptune Explorers Dome: immersive projection of OCEAN DREAMS — Stories of Hope

    36 rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris

    Screenings: Saturday 6, Sunday 7 and Monday 8 June · 10am - 6pm Free admission via the Muséum's online ticketing

    Open in Google Maps

  • Amphithéâtre Verniquet — Jardin des Plantes

    Neptune Forum: all day on 8 June

    47 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris

    Open in Google Maps

Partners & Supporters

Founding Partners of Mission Neptune

  • Ifremer
  • Institut océanographique de Monaco
  • Minderoo Foundation
  • University of Khorfakkan
  • VOTO
  • OceanX
  • Tsao Pao Chee
  • Focused On Nature

Mission Partners

  • Avatar Alliance Foundation
  • CNRS
  • Deep Blue Voyager 2035
  • Fujian Ocean Innovation Center
  • GEOMAR
  • IRD
  • INPO
  • Institut de l'Océan
  • Invemar
  • CNR DSSTTA
  • JAYWUN
  • MBARI
  • Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
  • NIOZ
  • NOC
  • One Ocean Expedition
  • Scripps
  • Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
  • Fondation Tara Océan
  • The Explorers Club
  • WHOI

Global Ocean Partners

  • IUCN
  • Ocean & Climate Platform
  • Oceano Azul Foundation
  • Mission Blue
  • High Seas Alliance
  • Europe Jacques Delors

Mission Neptune supports the operational deployment of OceanEye, within the European Ocean Pact, in partnership with GOOS and Mercator Ocean International.

  • Ocean Eye
  • GOOS
  • Mercator Ocean
  • Mission Neptune

Institutional Partners

  • République Française
  • Commission européenne
  • UNESCO
  • UN Ocean Decade

Practical Information

Transport

Metro / RER

  • Ligne 5 — Gare d'Austerlitz
  • Ligne 7 — Censier–Daubenton
  • Ligne 10 — Jussieu / Gare d'Austerlitz
  • RER C — Gare d'Austerlitz

Bus

Lignes 24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89, 91

Train

  • Gare de Lyon — 23 min walk · 19 min by taxi
  • Gare d'Austerlitz — 12 min walk · 5 min by taxi
Parking(9)

Visitor parking is not available at the Jardin des Plantes. Nearest public car parks:

  • Parking Paris 5 — Jardin des Plantes

    25 rue Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris

    1 min walk from the Museum

    Open 24/7

    01 45 87 08 23Website ↗

  • Parking Institut du Monde Arabe

    1 rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris

    10 min walk from the Museum

    Open 24/7

    01 40 51 38 90Website ↗

  • OnePark Gare d'Austerlitz

    6 rue de l'Essai, 75005 Paris

    4 min walk from the Museum

    Mon–Fri 8am - 9pm · Sat 9am - 9pm · Closed Sunday

    01 80 88 96 49Website ↗

  • Parking Saemes Lagrange–Maubert

    19 rue Lagrange, 75005 Paris

    14 min walk from the Museum

    Open 24/7

    01 43 25 84 47Website ↗

  • Parking Saemes Maubert — Collège des Bernardins

    37 boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris

    11 min walk from the Museum

    Open 24/7

    01 43 26 97 01Website ↗

  • Paripark Panthéon

    15 rue Censier, 75005 Paris

    2 min walk from the Museum

    Open 24/7

    01 45 87 08 23Website ↗

  • Parking de Paris

    12 rue Censier, 75005 Paris

    2 min walk from the Museum

    Open 24/7, except Fridays

    08 10 26 30 00Website ↗

  • Parking Autocité Patriarches

    4-6 place Bernard Halpern, 75005 Paris

    6 min walk from the Museum

    Open 24/7

    01 43 37 43 56Website ↗

  • Garage de l'Essai

    4-6 rue de l'Essai, 75005 Paris

    4 min walk from the Museum

    Mon–Sat 8am - 7pm · Closed Sunday

    01 67 07 54 08Website ↗
Hotels(17)

Selected hotels close to the Museum (Latin Quarter / Jardin des Plantes):

  • Hôtel du Jardin des Plantes★★

    5 rue Linné, 75005 Paris

    2 min walk from the Museum

    Jussieu, lines 7 and 10

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel Libertel Austerlitz – Jardin des Plantes★★

    12 boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75005 Paris

    2 min walk from the Museum

    Gare d'Austerlitz, lines 5 and 10, RER C

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel Maxim Quartier Latin★★★

    28 rue Censier, 75005 Paris

    4 min walk from the Museum

    Censier–Daubenton, line 7

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel Saint-Christophe★★★

    17 rue Lacépède, 75005 Paris

    5 min walk from the Museum

    Place Monge, line 7

  • Best Western Quartier Latin Panthéon★★★

    71 rue Monge, 75005 Paris

    5 min walk from the Museum

    Place Monge, line 7

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel des Arènes★★★

    51 rue Monge, 75005 Paris

    6 min walk from the Museum

    Place Monge, line 7

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel des Nations Saint-Germain★★★

    54 rue Monge, 75005 Paris

    6 min walk from the Museum

    Jussieu (7/10), Place Monge (7), Cardinal Lemoine (10)

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel de France Quartier Latin★★

    108 rue Monge, 75005 Paris

    6 min walk from the Museum

    Censier–Daubenton, line 7

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel Minerve★★★

    13 rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris

    8 min walk from the Museum

    Jussieu, lines 7 and 10

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel Monge★★★★

    55 rue Monge, 75005 Paris

    8 min walk from the Museum

    Place Monge (7), Cardinal Lemoine (10)

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel de l'Espérance★★

    15 rue Pascal, 75005 Paris

    9 min walk from the Museum

    Censier–Daubenton, line 7

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel des Grandes Écoles★★★

    75 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris

    9 min walk from the Museum

    Cardinal Lemoine (10), Place Monge (7)

    Website ↗

  • Le Port-Royal Hôtel

    8 boulevard de Port-Royal, 75005 Paris

    10 min walk from the Museum

    Les Gobelins, line 7

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel Le M Saint-Germain★★★

    33 rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris

    11 min walk from the Museum

    Maubert–Mutualité, line 10

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel Les Bulles de Paris★★★★

    32 rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris

    12 min walk from the Museum

    Maubert–Mutualité, line 10

    Website ↗

  • Hôtel du Jeu de Paume★★★★

    54 rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Île, 75004 Paris

    14 min walk from the Museum

    Pont Marie, line 7

    Website ↗

  • Le Jardin de Verre by Locke★★★★

    7 rue Lacépède, 75005 Paris

    5 min walk from the Museum

    Place Monge, line 7

    Website ↗
Taxi & ride-hailing(3)

Taxi stands nearby:

  • Gobelins taxi stand

    88 boulevard Saint-Marcel, 75005 Paris

    8 min walk from the Museum

    01 43 31 00 00

  • Tournelle taxi stand

    13 quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris

    11 min walk from the Museum

    01 79 75 79 87

  • Monge taxi stand

    2 place Monge, 75005 Paris

    16 min walk from the Museum

    01 45 87 15 95

Booking: G7 (+33 1 41 27 66 99), Bolt, Uber, FREENOW.