Exhibits, workshops, talks, games and artistic installations in the heart of the Ligurian capital await visitors of all ages for an interactive journey to discover the ocean and its fundamental importance for our planet.
From 6 to 8 June 2026, Genoa, the appointment with the returns World Oceans Day: Knowing, Understanding, Living Together, the initiative promoted byIstituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) on the occasion of World Oceans Day (WOD), the day established by the United Nations to raise public awareness of the impact of human activities and climate change on the oceans, essential resources for life on the planet.
The INGV event, sponsored by the City of Genoa, from Ministry of University and Research (MUR), from Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and Liguria region, also obtained this year theendorsement by the 'UNESCO and has been recognized among the Ocean Decade Activities of 2026, confirming its high scientific and cultural value.
The 2026 edition will bring to Genoa a rich program of scientific, artistic and educational activities which will accompany the public in discovering the marine environment, promoting greater awareness of the importance of its protection and the actions necessary for its conservation.
After the institutional inaugural event in Tursi Palace, activities will move to Pertini Square, where the will be set up Seaside Village with free admission with islands dedicated to the main lines of marine research: from tsunamis to the impact of the oceans on regulating the global climate, including a virtual journey to the Mediterranean seabed, an artistic reinterpretation of the fairy tale "The Little Mermaid," and a musical reinterpretation of the sea's signals.
Curious and passionate people will be able to venture into the experiential path created by researchers to discover the secrets and treasures hidden beneath the surface of the sea: theMontale Auditorium of the Carlo Felice Theater It will also host a dedicated photography exhibition and a series of informative talks aimed at the general public.
Finally, numerous play and laboratory activities will allow the little ones to to set sail Discovering marine ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution, and underwater sounds in the Mediterranean.
The WOD 2026, organized by INGV together with research institutes and universities gathered in the Joint Research Unit of EMSO Italy, represents an important opportunity for dissemination dedicated to the central role of the sea in contemporary society. The participation of EMSO ERIC, a European Research Infrastructure led by INGV, also highlights the contribution of the Italian scientific community to the European marine research landscape.
Download the WOD 2026 poster here
Click here for more information on activities and to book.
Useful links:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
World Oceans Day: Knowing, Understanding, Living Together
Ministry of University and Research (MUR)
