By public transport or by car, all means are good to get to the Ateliers des Capucins and discover 70.8.
Why is the museum called 70.8?
Why is the museum called 70.8? Because the ocean covers 70.8% of our planet’s surface area. Oceans play a vital role and are at the heart of current and future economic, societal and environmental challenges.
The vital role of oceans: a planet that is 70.8% blue
OCEANS CONTAIN 97.5% OF THE WATER ON EARTH
Earth, the only known planet in the solar system with liquid water, appears blue when viewed from space. The majority of this water, 97.5% to be exact, is saltwater! Freshwater represents only 2.5% of the total and exists in three forms: solid, liquid and gaseous. Three-quarters of this freshwater is stored frozen in the Greenland and Antarctic ice caps. Approximately 0.1% of freshwater remains potentially available to humans.
OCEANS: A STAGE IN THE WATER CYCLE
The amount of water on Earth has remained the same for more than 4 billion years. This water moves from the sea to the atmosphere, from the atmosphere to the land, and then from the land back to the sea, following a cycle that is endlessly repeated. Due to climate change, this cycle is tending to accelerate and cause more extreme weather events.
OCEANS ARE A MAJOR PLAYER IN CLIMATE CHANGE
Directly affected by climate change, oceans absorb increasing amounts of heat and COշ. The repercussions are already tangible: melting ice, rising sea levels, ocean acidification and decreased oxygenation. All observations and measurements reveal that our oceans are an indicator of the state of our climate.
What can be found at the 70.8 museum?
Housed in an iconic building called the Ateliers des Capucins, the 70.8 museum should be enjoyed on your visit to Brest. It is a museum unlike any other: it is an immersive and sensory experience, designed to help visitors learn, marvel and interact.
A 1.5-hour visit:
- A self-guided tour including 45 multimedia stations and 30 models on the themes of maritime innovations, marine renewable energies, biotechnologies, maritime traffic etc.
During school holidays:
- Guided tours accessible from the age of 6, at no extra charge, led by scientific mediators.
- Activities in the Labo des curieux (curious lab) for visitors aged 6 and up.
Why an ocean museum in Brest?
A CITY FOCUSED ON THE SEA AND SCIENCE
Brest is France’s capital of the ocean and a major hub for maritime research and innovation. Laboratories, universities, specialised companies, public institutions: here, the sea inspires, challenges and mobilises.
The 70.8 museum embodies this dynamic by offering a space for scientific and technical culture which is open to all. In direct contact with local stakeholders, it highlights concrete projects to help boost our understanding of climate issues, technological challenges and the richness of marine life.
BREST MÉTROPOLE: A STRONG COMMITMENT TO SCIENTIFIC CULTURE THROUGH THE 70.8 MUSEUM DEDICATED TO THE OCEANS
A museum dedicated to our oceans, 70.8 is the result of Brest Métropole’s commitment to creating a new space for scientific, technical and industrial culture, showcasing knowledge and innovations related to the marine environment. Brittany is home to a large number of maritime stakeholders within its numerous research centres, laboratories and universities, as well as small, medium and large businesses. This dense academic and entrepreneurial network allows Brittany to take a strong position both nationally and internationally. Research and innovation are the driving forces of future development, which requires knowledge that is built and shared by and with everyone. Based on data and the work of these partners, 70.8 offers a comprehensive view of the growing importance of the oceans in today’s societies.
