General

A historic visit to the Principality by Pope Leo XIV

On 28 March, the Principality experienced an unprecedented moment when it welcomed Pope Leo XIV for a one-day apostolic visit. Invited by Prince Albert II and the archbishop of Monaco, the pontiff became the first reigning pope to visit Monaco in modern times. Among the highlights of this symbolic and memorable visit were a speech at the window of the Prince's Palace in the company of His Serene Highness and His family, and a mass at the Stade Louis-II in front of nearly 15,000 faithful.

The Exotic Garden reopens its doors

After nearly six years of closure and major security work, the Exotic Garden reopened to the public on 29 March for Monegasques and residents, then on 30 March for the general public. This emblematic site of the Principality, perched on the side of a cliff, has undergone extensive renovation: consolidation of the rocks, replacement of the footbridges and redevelopment of the pathways. The reopening was also accompanied by new facilities, including an Exotic Garden Bar at the entrance, as well as a Playground and a room dedicated to children's birthday parties.

Monaco at Europa Park

Monaco is inviting itself to Europa Park. This year, the Principality becomes the 18th country to have its own district within the famous theme park on the Franco-German border. With its elegant architecture, exclusive experiences and atmosphere combining prestige and escape, this new area will enhance Monaco's image in the eyes of an international audience. It's a great opportunity to raise the destination's profile and inspire travellers in search of emotion and wonder.

Klaus Kabelitz takes the helm at the Métropole Monte-Carlo

The Métropole Monte-Carlo welcomes Klaus Kabelitz, a seasoned hotelier with an international career. He joins from London, where since September 2024 he has been at the helm of The Kensington, which he successfully repositioned in the luxury segment. He brings with him a wealth of experience gained at emblematic addresses such as Le Richemond in Geneva, The Cadogan in London and El Encanto in Santa Barbara. His unique career path has also taken him to sea, as hotel manager aboard the Seabourn Quest, not forgetting almost fourteen years with the prestigious Maybourne Hotel Group.

The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort continues its transformation

The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort continues its transformation! Delivered last April, the 9th and 10th floors open a new chapter in a vast renovation programme that will cover 141 rooms and suites by April 2026. A bold transformation, inspired by the Italian Memphis movement of the 1980s. Added to this is a major project: the raising of three storeys, which will take the Hotel to fourteen storeys by 2030, the year of its 25th anniversary. Finally, after the Hermitage and the Monte-Carlo Beach, the Monte-Carlo Bay will welcome a kids club in summer 2026, further enhancing the experience for families.

The Oceanographic Museum launches its podcast

The Oceanographic Institute of Monaco is opening a new chapter in sound with OCEANO Podcast , its first series of native podcasts. Faithful to its mission (to make the ocean known, loved and protected), the institution offers immersive stories at the crossroads of science, history and major contemporary issues. Structured around two collections, Art and History and Society and the Environment, the series combines narration, archives and expert insights in an accessible 30-minute format. It's an invitation to explore the marine world in a different way: with headphones on, curiosity awakened, and the Ocean as a common thread.

Guillaume Ranvier takes over at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

The "connoisseur's Hotel" is welcoming an ultra-luxury expert. Guillaume Ranvier succeeds Louis Starck at the helm of the Hermitage Monte-Carlo, having arrived from the Four Seasons George V in Paris. With a strong international background, he will accompany the dynamic renewal of the establishment, which is due to take place in 2026.

The Jardin du Chemin des Sculptures reinvents itself in Fontvieille

By 2028, this green lung will have undergone an in-depth transformation. The garden is the subject of an ambitious landscaping project. More Mediterranean vegetation, shaded areas, sustainable materials and increased biodiversity will redesign this space, with work to be carried out in phases until 2028.

The Animal Garden will remain closed in 2026

Another year to prepare for a major metamorphosis: the park founded by Prince Rainier III will remain closed in order to finalise the securing of the cliff and roll out its most ambitious programme in 70 years. Expanded spaces, lush vegetation and an immersive trail will create a garden that has been redesigned with animal welfare in mind.

La Rascasse gets a facelift

La Rascasse has recently undergone a facelift. On 9 April, the famous Monegasque establishment unveiled a brand new décor directly inspired by the world of Formula 1 racing. It's a deliberate nod to its emblematic location, at the heart of the circuit, and to the Principality's resolutely sporting DNA.

A facelift for La Condamine market

The La Condamine market hall closed its doors on Sunday 11 January for thirteen months to allow for major restructuring and modernisation work. A transitional market has been in place in the Place d'Armes since 15 January to ensure continuity of activity. Two large marquees have been set up in the centre of the square, with tables and chairs for the public, providing seating for sixty people, which will be increased to three hundred from midday, once the market gardeners and florist have left. The renovated market hall is due to reopen in early 2027, with the aim of offering a more modern and functional space, while retaining the friendly spirit of the market.