We all love great stories.
Today, it is the story of ImmerSEAve VR, an unprecedented virtual diving experience, that comes to life at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Designed by Baccana and Emagine, it is much more than a technological feat: it is the culmination of passion, legacy, and friendship.
A Story of the Sea and Family
My love for the Mediterranean is, above all, a family affair. For generations, my ancestors cast their nets between Menton and Théoule-sur-Mer. The Mare Nostrum runs in our veins.
As a child, I would join my grandfather, Désiré Repetto, to pull up fishing nets at Pointe de l’Aiguille, later as a teenager I was heading out for spearfishing along the cliffs of Cap d’Antibes or exploring the colorful seabeds near the Grotte de Gardanne. Our family albums are filled with memories of incredible catches, shared moments at sea, and unforgettable stories—like my Uncle Prosper Brezzo, a fisherman from Menton, delivering fresh fish to the legendary Pirate of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Charles Albert Viale.
The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is also part of this tradition. As a child, I visited it often, mesmerized by its aquariums and the expeditions I saw in the opening credits of The Odyssey of the Calypso. Later, I continued the tradition by taking my own children, nurturing their love for the Mediterranean and the need to preserve it.
Today, having the privilege and joy of designing this immersive dive into the protected marine areas of Monaco, alongside my eldest son, Théo, is an honor. It is a way to discretely extend this family passion and leave our mark on the history of this iconic institution in the Principality.
A passion that humbly echoes that of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, who continues the legacy and dedication of Albert I, committed to the protection of the marine environment since the late 19th century.
A Human Adventure and a Friendship Without Borders
But ImmerSEAve VR is also a story of friendship—one that has lasted almost four decades and spanned continents.
It began in the United States in the 1980s, and continues now between Monaco and Ireland. Aaron Jay, co-founder of Emagine with James Tubritt, is not just my partner in this venture—he is my best friend Baccana has been collaborating with on VR experiences across Europe for a few years now..
A passionate image-maker, first through photography, then the web, and finally virtual reality, Aaron and the Emagine team have developed innovative solutions that allow multiple divers to explore together, interact with marine life, and experience a true fusion with the depths of the Mediterranean… without getting wet.
Meanwhile, Baccana has crafted a 13-minute underwater adventure, where descendants of fishermen recreate sub-marine scenes and a scenario that resonate with both young and old.
A Collective Project, a Human Endeavor
No story is as beautiful without those who make it possible.
We extend our gratitude to Sophie Arnaud Deromedi and Stéphane Nicolopoulos of Adstoria, who provided the momentum for our Baccana / Emagine partnership.
To Fardi M. of SysMonaco who collaborates with our duo for the headsets maintenance.
But the true driving force behind ImmerSEAve VR is, of course, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco and its team. Bernard Reilhac, Director of the Development of the Oceano, and Tiziana Caporale , Manager of the Education services, have led this project with patience, perseverance, and precision, collaborating with the museum’s scientific experts to ensure accuracy in every detail.
Thanks to them, each element is scientifically accurate: for instance, you will learn that the loggerhead sea turtle has five costal scutes (not six!), or that the Mediterranean barracuda’s stripes do not extend to its flanks.
But to discover it all, you’ll have to take the plunge… in the Princess Alice Hall at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco!
An Unforgettable Experience
A one-of-a-kind adventure, to be enjoyed with family (children aged 12 and up) as part of the new Mediterranean 2050 attraction at the extraordinary Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.
Because beyond the technology, ImmerSEAve VR is, above all, a story of passion, legacy, and wonder.
Book your tickets for the ImmerSEAve VR here ! Oceano Tickets for VR
