Culture in Monaco today

Cultural entities of international quality: spreading culture

Ballets de Monte Carlo

The Ballets de Monte-Carlo represent a group whose performances are known throughout the world and which is divided into three levels.

Firstly, the Compagnie des Ballets de Monte-Carlo, which was founded in 1985 at the instigation of H.R.H. Princess Caroline of Hanover to continue the long tradition of dance in Monaco and its "Ballets Russes". The arrival of choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot in 1993 gave the company an international dimension. Today, the 50 dancers tour more than 200 days a year and are a major cultural ambassador for the Principality.

Since 2000, the company has also organised the Monaco Dance Forum, a multi-faceted international dance festival. As well as presenting shows by the great names in dance, the Monaco Dance Forum offers workshops, masterclasses, exhibitions, symposiums and conferences on the discipline. Created in 1975 and redefined in 2009, the Princess Grace Academy is the Ballets' third lever. Its mission is to ensure the professional development of each of its students by offering excellent teaching.

Monaco was also the scene of a giant dancefloor on the Place du Casino with the F(ê)aites de la danse! event. This popular and unique event shook up the Principality for 24 hours of performances, parades, open-air shows, workshops and exchanges with artists from all over the world. Dance being an eclectic discipline, F(ê)aites de la danse appeals to everyone by showcasing all styles: tango, African dance, rock, swing jazz, classical, waltz and salsa!

Monte Carlo Opera

The jewel in the crown of the Casino de Monte-Carlo bears witness to the Principality's rich history. Opera and theatre stars have performed here since the creation of the Salle Garnier. The hall's excellent acoustics, combined with the beauty of the setting, mean that audiences can enjoy an eclectic range of shows, perpetuating the great operatic tradition while supporting new creation. From Prince and Lionel Richie to the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival and the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival, international stars are particularly fond of performing on this magical stage.

Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra

Founded in 1856 as the "Orchestra of the New Circle of Foreigners", the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic holds a special place in the international music world.

Puccini, Ravel, Massenet, Fauré... for almost 150 years, Monte-Carlo has been the scene of countless world premieres. Exceptional events have marked the history of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, which is also regularly invited by major international festivals. From the United States to Japan, the OPMC also tours extensively abroad.

Princess Grace Theatre

Princess Grace, in her desire to revive comedy theatre in the Principality, was behind the restoration of the Théâtre des Beaux-Arts, which in its day played host to some of the biggest names in French chanson, such as Edith Piaf. The Princess completely redesigned the interior decoration, as well as the acoustics and seating conditions for the actors. Today, the Théâtre Princesse Grace is a recognised and esteemed venue that contributes to the Principality's cultural influence.

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Serge Diaghilev and Les Ballets Russes

Neither a dancer nor a choreographer, Serge Diaghilev put his boundless passion for the world of show business and dance at the service of exceptional creations. He surrounded himself with the best choreographers of the day and launched the Compagnie des Ballets Russes in 1907. Two years later, the Company performed internationally for the first time. A visionary, Diaghilev set up the structure on a permanent basis in Monaco, Paris and London. More than 50 shows were created between 1907 and his death in 1929, some of which had a lasting impact on the discipline, such as Petrushka, The Rite of Spring and Jack in the Box. Audiences are witness to an unprecedented movement: artists from different disciplines (dance, poetry, music, painting, etc.) share their knowledge and skills to make each ballet a unique moment of perfect aesthetics. Among those who have contributed to the international success of this troupe are Prokofiev, Debussy, Ravel, Nijinsky and Stravinsky, as well as renowned painters such as Matisse, Picasso and Braque.

And also... Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco

Founded in 1974 within the Maîtrise de la Cathédrale de Monaco and placed under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, the Petits Chanteurs de Monaco contribute to the artistic and cultural influence of the Principality. The first traces of a children's vocal ensemble date back to the 18th century, during the reign of Prince Antoine I. As well as providing regular musical services at Monaco Cathedral, Les Petits Chanteurs regularly tours the five continents. Since it was founded, Les Petits Chanteurs have visited some forty countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America and Africa.

The Grimaldi Forum Monaco, a culture of excellence

Recognisable by its unique glass and steel design, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco is the Principality's conference and cultural centre. Inaugurated in 2000, it has gone from strength to strength ever since, positioning itself as one of Europe's leading destinations for business tourism and a cultural showcase. With its 75,000 m² of modular space overlooking the sea in the heart of an exceptional site, it can host an average of a hundred events a year. In total, almost 250,000 visitors come to the GFM every year for congresses, trade fairs and conventions, as well as exhibitions, shows and concerts. Thanks to the Mareterra extension at sea, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco will increase its exhibition capacity by 50%, with 6,000 m² of additional space.

The Salle des Princes (1,900 seats and a stage area of 1,000 m², the equivalent of the Opéra Bastille in Paris), the Salle Prince Pierre (800 seats) and the Salle Camille Blanc can accommodate all types of production. The GFM is also the ideal venue for exhibitions, some of which have toured the world, such as "Grace Kelly, from Hollywood to Monaco", "Dali, a history of painting" and "The Gold of the Pharaohs". And while the summer of 2024 highlighted the work of William Turner, the 2025 summer exhibition will feature works by the Centre Pompidou. Entitled "Colours", the exhibition will showcase the best of the collections at the Parisian institution, which is closed for renovation work, and offer a grand tour of twentieth-century art.

But you can also take in an eclectic range of musical performances, from Elton John to Black Eyed Peas, as well as hosting musicals such as Grease, Mamma Mia and West Side Story.

The Grimaldi Forum is also a natural setting for some of Monaco's finest cultural stars, who perform there in residence throughout the year: the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, thePhilharmonic Orchestra and theOpera, the Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo and the Théâtre Princesse Grace.

First-rate local institutions: preserving and promoting culture

Proudly flying the flag for dreams and glamour around the world, the Principality is first and foremost a destination with first-class sites. Monaco boasts museums and monuments of exceptional richness and variety.

Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco

TheCar Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco includes almost a hundred vehicles from the world's leading manufacturers, the Oceanographic Museum, which has been keeping watch over the oceans for over a century thanks to its world-renowned expertise, the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, which traces the history of the Principality and neighbouring regions, and the Museum of Stamps and Coins, which contains rare philatelic items and exclusive documents.

New National Museum of Monaco (NMNM)

The mission of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco is to promote the heritage of the Principality of Monaco and to showcase contemporary art through temporary exhibitions at two exceptional venues: the Villa Paloma and the Villa Sauber. Villa Sauber is one of the last Belle Époque villas in Monaco. With a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, the villa is now hosting temporary exhibitions. The same goes for Villa Paloma, built around the same period and nicknamed "La Coquette" for its charm by its former owner. One of the most beautiful patrician residences in the Principality, it boasts breathtaking views and spans three floors, with an exhibition area of almost 900 m². These two superb villas are not to be outdone on the garden front, with their flower-filled, relaxing exteriors that are perfect for lounging around in after a visit!

Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology

Just a stone's throw from Villa Paloma is the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, founded by Prince Albert I in 1902. Its aim? To preserve the remains of primitive humanities unearthed from the soil of the Principality and neighbouring regions". The collections on display retrace the major stages in the evolution of mankind as applied to this territory on the shores of the Mediterranean. In conjunction with the late Professor Emeritus Yves Coppens and the International Scientific Committee, the museum's very active team also carries out preventive excavations, laboratory studies and publishes scientific articles. MAP regularly plays host to schoolchildren and college students to raise awareness of this discipline, which never fails to arouse everyone's curiosity!

Monaco Audiovisual Institute

Created in 1997, the Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco's mission is to collect, preserve, archive and promote the Principality's audiovisual heritage. To this end, exhibitions are organised on a regular basis, such as the one devoted to part of the history of amateur cinema in Monaco. While the curious and the knowledgeable can recognise forgotten places such as the old Casino square, the mid-twentieth century version of Port Hercule or Monte Carlo Beach, built a few years earlier, visitors passing through can try to guess Monaco's most iconic locations. Unseen fragments of life and history to be seen until 29 December 2023!

Archives of the Prince's Palace

The Archives of the Prince's Palace conserve a large number of ancient texts relating to the Principality's historical and intangible heritage. Since 1977, this work has led to the annual publication of the Annales Monégasques, a periodical reviving the tradition of scholarly publications under the reigns of the sovereigns of the 19th and 20th centuries. With a mission, instituted by Albert I to Léon-Honoré Labande, curator of the Archives at the time: "There are still a few legends in the history of Monaco. Be merciless with them. Always and everywhere tell the truth, whatever it may be".

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The Francis Bacon Foundation - MB Art Foundation

Renowned for his triptychs around the world, Francis Bacon remains one of the most sought-after artists on the international art market. Thanks to the sale of one of his paintings in 1946, the British painter moved to Monaco. Seduced by the ambience and lifestyle of the Principality and the benefits of the sea air, Bacon drew his inspiration from the beauty of the Mediterranean landscapes and the refinement of the Casino de Monte-Carlo. It was here that the artist refined his work: "Monaco is a place conducive to images that come ready to mind". A trace left in the Principality that did not leave Majid Boustany indifferent. Fallen in love with the work of Francis Bacon, the businessman and co-owner of the Métropole Monte-Carlo hotel decided to dedicate a unique place to him: the Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation opened its doors on 28 October 2014 - the anniversary of the painter's birth - in the heart of the Principality.

Housed in a Belle Epoque villa dating from 1897, the Foundation is designed to be an intimate venue with a hushed atmosphere, echoing Francis Bacon's belief that small spaces were the best way to make his paintings even more intense. Today, the foundation created by Majid Boustany, an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters, promotes the work of the artist of tortured portraits, encourages artistic creation, develops an acquisition policy and offers tours throughout the year.

Monaco through European and international cultural programmes

As well as welcoming citizens from 140 countries, Monaco maintains a wide range of international relations. A member of the United Nations since 1993, the Principality became a member of the Council of Europe in 2004. The Sovereigns of Monaco have always represented the State to the international community, and their ambitious stances carry the Principality's voice high in the concert of nations facing essential challenges.

One of these is the protection of the world's marine heritage through scientific research, a battle that has been dear to H.S.H. Prince Albert II since his enthronement in 2005. Since 2017, Monaco has been in partnership with UNESCO with the aim of strengthening the conservation and scientific understanding of seafarers on the World Heritage List, a struggle that involves a permanent exchange of information and strategic collaboration as part of the expeditions led by Monaco Explorations.

European Heritage Day has been organised in the Principality for almost 25 years. Initiated by the Council of Europe, this event allows visitors to open the doors of exceptional places, some of which are closed to the public for the rest of the year. Organised by the Institut du Patrimoine under the aegis of the Direction des Affaires Culturelles, this day generally enables visitors to discover no fewer than 40 sites spread over Monaco's 2 km². Three major museums and monuments are the most popular: the Oceanographic Museum, the collection of classic cars owned by H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco and the Cathedral. What's more, certain sites that are usually closed to the public but open for the occasion often arouse curiosity, such as the Town Hall and the National Council, the parliamentary chamber of the State.

Alongside all these initiatives, the Principality is committed to the French-speaking world through the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), of which it has been a historic member since 1970. The Princely Government supports the OIF's commitments in areas such as learning the French language, education, environmental protection and the energy transition. In October 2019, the Principality hosted the 36th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie on the theme "Reconciling humanity and the planet: a perspective from the French-speaking world on the eve of the OIF's 50th anniversary".

Philosophy and art: two disciplines that are gaining in prominence in the Principality

In addition to national and international cultural programmes, two disciplines in particular have been on the rise in the Principality for several years now.

The first of these is philosophy, buoyed by the success of the Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco, co-founded by Charlotte Casiraghi, daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco. The Rencontres Philosophiques help to promote the practice of philosophy in the Principality by organising monthly conferences and workshops, inviting eminent personalities and involving schools. Charlotte Casiraghi has a dream in mind: that "the whole of Monaco should be involved in this desire for philosophy, and that it should be felt for a week".

Another discipline enjoying a certain amount of effervescence in the Principality is the art market. Annual fairs dedicated to contemporary art and design, art3f and art-montecarlo in the summer, 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. Nancy Dotta, director of the Monaco office of the renowned auction house Christie's, highlights the renewed dynamism of the Principality's art market: "Monaco is an excellent catalyst for what's going on in the world, and art is no exception. It's a microcosm conducive to a cultural and artistic explosion that extends to the whole of the Côte d'Azur, which is rich in museums".

The Principality, a land of festivals...

Monaco has its own festival, from January to December!

Starting with the renowned Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival.

When the sun comes out, it's time for the Printemps des Arts Festival! First held in summer, then in winter, the festival takes place every year in the spring over a period of four to five weeks in venues as grandiose as they are unusual. The Printemps des Arts Monte-Carlo is first and foremost a major musical event, bringing together musicians from all over the world and helping to breathe new life into Monaco's cultural life by revisiting the great musical classics combined with exclusive contemporary creations.

For 61 years, studios, television channels, digital platforms and stars have been meeting in an idyllic setting every June for the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. Aimed at the press, industry professionals and the general public alike, the event offers world premieres, behind-the-scenes talks on series and signing sessions.

Summer in Monte-Carlo also means enjoying some of the finest venues dedicated to music. The Monte-Carlo Summer Festival takes over the Principality's legendary venues to welcome the biggest international stars.

The year closes in style with jazz in all its diversity. Launched in 2006, the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival features both legendary musicians and rising stars of the discipline, all in the breathtaking setting of the Opera House. Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Marcus Miller, Manu Katché, Melody Gardot... the greatest artists have already dazzled music lovers and the curious at the heart of this event, now traditionally held over two weeks between the end of November and the beginning of December.