Culture

Fall back into childhood with the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival

January is the month when the Principality puts on its festival, with the renowned Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival! It's an event that always amazes young and old with its incomparable atmosphere and exceptional, hand-picked acts. Enthusiasts and the curious alike can enjoy both the ^48th Festival and the ^13th New Generation, a circus competition for the best young artists.

Attend a show in the heart of an architectural jewel

First, the entrance to the Casino de Monte-Carlo... then the atrium and its unsuspected curiosities to finally reach the Opéra Garnier auditorium. Here, you'll be amazed even before the show begins! The jewel in the crown of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Opera bears witness to the Principality's rich history. Many of the world's greatest names have performed here, and the excellent acoustics combined with the beauty of the venue make for a dynamic and eclectic programme, now managed by the famous singer Cécilia Bartoli.

Enter the world of dance with the enchantment of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo

Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo are celebrating their 40th anniversary with an emotionally-charged 2025-2026 season. It opens at the end of October with two new works, See You by Paul Lightfoot and Herman Schmerman by William Forsythe. Other highlights include the 50th anniversary of the Académie, the Miniatures and Core Meu shows, the Monaco Dance Forum and a gala evening full of surprises. The highlight of this anniversary year will be Ma Bayadère by Jean-Christophe Maillot, presented at the Grimaldi Forum from 27 December to 3 January. New: the "Voiture Ballet" (Ballet Car) will travel from Nice to Monaco for three performances. The company will then embark on a European tour, from France to Germany.

Let yourself be lulled by the virtuosity of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra

The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra is preparing to bid farewell to its musical director Kazuki Yamada after ten years of artistic collaboration. The 2025-2026 season promises to be a vibrant tribute, combining tradition and modernity, with cellist Pablo Ferrández as artist in residence. Shostakovich, Ravel, Weber and de Falla will be at the heart of the repertoire. In addition to the 36 concerts in the Grande Saison, the OPMC will be offering recitals, chamber music and musical happy hours, in keeping with its ambition to reach out to all audiences.

Discovering the best of Monaco's artistic variety

The Principality is experiencing a certain effervescence in one area: the art market. International art galleries choosing to set up in Monaco, the return of auction houses and its image associated with a cosmopolitan profile make the Principality a destination that counts in many respects. As well as holding two major annual fairs dedicated to contemporary art (artmonte-carlo in July and art3F in August), Monaco is also measured by its art galleries and prestigious houses such as Christie's, Artcurial, Hauser & Wirth and Sotheby's.

Combine relaxation and culture at the two venues of the New National Museum of Monaco

Villa Paloma in the Jardin Exotique district and Villa Sauber on the Larvotto. Two exceptional locations , the first boasting a breathtaking view over Monaco, the second one one being one of the last Belle Epoque houses in the Principality. These are residences that promote heritage and showcase contemporary art through temporary exhibitions. This autumn-winter 2025-2026, the Villa Sauber will be celebrating the cactus through a range of art forms until 11 January. For its part, the Villa Paloma will be evoking contemporary art through the eyes of Nicolas Poussin with the exhibition "Le sentiment de la nature".

Immerse yourself in the heart of the new exhibition at the Musée Océanographique: (Méditerranée 2050)

Following the success of the immersive exhibition "Mission Polaire", which welcomed and raised awareness among over 1.7 million visitors, the Oceanographic Museum is opening a new chapter in its commitment to protecting the oceans with "Méditerranée 2050". This event invites young and old alike to travel back in time, exploring an ideal future for the Mediterranean, rich in biodiversity, thanks to decisions taken today. It's a real call to action, highlighting the need to protect this unique and fragile ecosystem, while inspiring individual and collective commitment.

Trace the history of the automobile in the Principality at the Classic Car Collection

An overflowing passion! Initiated at the end of the 1950s by Prince Rainier III, a car enthusiast, the Car Collection has grown to include some one hundred historic vehicles. A treasure trove unveiled to the public that symbolises the shared history that has existed for over a century between the world of the automobile and the Principality. It's a wonderful journey through time, from the 1903 De Dion-Buton to the 2013 Lotus F1. The single-seater driven by Monegasque Charles Leclerc and the Lexus with its glass cockpit at the rear, built for the royal wedding in 2011, are also on show in this remarkably staged setting in Port Hercule.

Playing music lover with the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival

The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival features both legendary musicians and rising stars of the discipline, all in the breathtaking setting of the Opéra Garnier. Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Marcus Miller, Manu Katché, Melody Gardot... the greatest jazz artists have already played their finest in the Principality. Ibrahim Maalouf, Deluxe, Yuri Buenaventura and Morcheeba will all be taking to the stage this autumn for a unique month of November!

Admire the diversity of shows scheduled at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco

Recognisable by its unique glass and steel design, the Grimaldi Forum hosts Monaco's biggest cultural events. A natural setting for the finest cultural stars who perform there in residence throughout the year, such as the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Printemps des Arts, the Grimaldi Forum is also the stage for unique shows. The major events include performances for young and old alike, such as Disney in Concert - Around the World, The Snow Queen and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Music will also be in the spotlight, with an electro winter party and concerts by David Hallyday and Jérémy Frérot. Another event of note is La légende de Monte-Cristo - Le Musical, a musical comedy adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' masterpiece.

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ENJOY THE WORK OF PAINTERS ON THE CÔTE D'AZUR

The Côte d'Azur has always fascinated painters and writers, inspired by its mild climate, breathtaking landscapes and sparkling light. Artists whose work can be discovered in museums and sites that are truly unique. Starting with Pablo Picasso, who left many traces in three decades on the Riviera, and the Musée National de Vallauris showcases his works to perfection. In Nice, the permanent collection of the Musée national Marc Chagall , the largest public collection of works by the artist in the world, is a complete immersion. On the heights of the Côte d'Azur, modern and contemporary art has found a perfect setting. The Fondation Maeght , located in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, unveils the finest treasures of the Côte d'Azur with an incomparable collection of 9,000 works by the greatest artists of the 20th century, from Miró to Braque and Giacometti.