This summer the first subaquatic museum in France (and Europe) is scheduled to open in the southern city of Marseille, a port city directly on the Mediterranean Sea. With a fishing and maritime history and culture, Marseille is a choice location for a new museum accessible only by diving.

Officials hope that by June (June 8, to be exact, World Oceans Day) The Musée Subaquatique de Marseille — or the Marseille Underwater Museum — will open and offer visitors the chance to view a collection of 45 pieces of art and sculptures in the bay of Anse de Catalans. Museumgoers can only view the artwork by scuba diving 26 feet below the water’s surface, and those who are not trained or certified will have the opportunity to take SCUBA classes on site.

A similar museum in Cancun, Mexico, called the MUSA Museum, piqued interest among divers from all over the world who seek the latest ways to submerge themselves. Marseille tourism officials hope the opening of this underwater art display will have the same positive effect on drawing visitors to the south of France.