GFM - Monaco and the Napoleon(s) Crossed destinies

Through a selection of precious works of art, rare archive documents and prestigious objects from major public institutions and private collections, the public is invited to discover the many facets of a historical relationship that is as little known as it is essential.

This exhibition is the fruit of rigorous research by the three curators. Pierre Branda, Scientific Director of the Fondation Napoléon, and Thomas Fouilleron and Thomas Blanchy, respectively Director and Deputy Director of the Archives and Library of the Prince's Palace of Monaco, have come together to offer a fresh, well-documented look at one of the pivotal periods in contemporary European and Monegasque history, which saw the emperors Napoléon I and Napoléon III, as well as the empresses Joséphine and Eugénie, cross paths with the destiny of the Grimaldi dynasty.

But that's not all...

The exhibition will be enriched by an exceptional lender: the private collection of David and Mikhail Iakobachvili. The involvement of these collectors in the project, both as organisers and lenders of a large proportion of the objects on display, has made this event possible.

This family's passion for the decorative arts, rare objects, mechanical creations and sound performances has enabled them to build up an impressive collection over more than twenty years, based on a number of themes ranging from the 16th to the 20th century. These include precious Napoleonic souvenirs
Napoleonic memorabilia - testimony to the exceptional craftsmanship and technologies of the two Empires - which will be on display at the Grimaldi Forum as part of this major
the Grimaldi Forum as part of this major event.
Their passion, their attachment to Monaco and their deep interest in the French cultural and artistic heritage
that the "Monaco and the Napoleons. Destins croisés".

Louis Ducruet, who is committed to promoting Monaco's historical heritage, is the exhibition's ambassador, bringing a contemporary perspective to this founding era. "Monaco and the Napoleon(s). Destins croisés" is a unique opportunity to (re)discover from a different angle the many links that united Monaco to Napoleon Bonaparte and his successors.

A major cultural event for the summer of 2025, it promises to combine scientific rigour with heritage emotion.