Major events, new museum installations, unique performances, eclectic
and educational exhibitions, events for all ages... Summer in the Principality
is always full of unforgettable and surprising experiences. Music, theatre,
dance, sport... There’s something for everyone!
New museum exhibitions and
major events
Starting with the
tour of the State Apartments of the Prince’s Palace, which reopened on 1 July
after a two-year hiatus. The layout of the tour and the accompanying
scenography have been updated, while the frescoes restored on several walls and
ceilings bear witness to the rich history of Europe’s dynastic families.
The Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco, meanwhile, has moved to a
new waterside location, on the Grand Prix circuit. Opened in 1993 on the
Terrasses de Fontvieille and housing the Prince’s private collection, its one
hundred prestige automobiles will now parked on Route de la Piscine from 8
July, to the delight of history-lovers and car fans.
Art will take centre stage in the Principality in July. Created specially to
promote the art scene, Monaco Art Week will take place from 12 to 17 July, and
will feature unique exhibitions for a rich and varied artistic offering with
works loaned by numerous galleries and auction houses.
The artmonte-carlo art fair, from 14 to 16 July, will showcase works from
prestigious international galleries. A leading platform for contemporary and
modern art, artmonte-carlo is un unmissable even for art lovers and collectors
from all over the region.
On 10 August, the world’s elite athletes will be at the Stade Louis II for a
top-level Wanda Diamond League meeting. Every summer, the Herculis is a
historic date on the calendar and has seen some world-class performances since
1987, from the 100 metres to the 3,000 metres, the triple jump, 400 metre
hurdles, and the pole vault.
Unique performances
Summer in Monte-Carlo
is the perfect time to enjoy the finest music venues and performances. The
Monte-Carlo Summer Festival will be bringing top international stars to some of
the most iconic locations in the Principality, from 9 July to 11 August. The
famous Opéra Garnier will host American group Pink Martini and French soul
singer Imany, while Alicia Keys will be performing on the Place du Casino for
the Monaco Red Cross’ summer concert. There will also be unmissable dinner
shows featuring the likes of the Black Eyed Peas, James Blunt, Simple Minds,
and Rita Ora, combining great music with outstanding gastronomy.
And since variety is very much the spice of life in the Principality, as every
summer the famed Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing in the
Cour d’Honneur at the Prince’s Palace, with five dates planned between 17 July
and 7 August. The Philharmonic first played at the Palace back in 1959,
rekindling a secular tradition of the Grimaldi family. The orchestra sets up
between the two 17th century staircases, and the magic is instant. Classical
musical and the Prince’s Palace are truly a match made in heaven…
Classical dance will also be honoured this summer with “3 Choreographers”, a
series of performances by the Compagnie des Ballets de Monte-Carlo. The
highlight of the L’Eté Danse ! festival, these evenings feature a
selection of the best dance currently has to offer, in the Salle des Princes at
the Grimaldi Forum, from 14 to 17 July.
For fans of live performances, the open-air Fort Antoine Theatre Festival will
take place in Monaco-Ville from 8 July to 2 August. This 52nd edition (!) of
the festival will include seven eclectic evenings featuring a variety of
disciplines such as circus arts, singing, a family evening for children, and
plenty of other surprises. A mix of genres with something to suit all tastes.
The summer madness is set to last ‘til the end of August with Delirious! From
26 August to 4 September, this frenetic circus cabaret will thrill audiences
with the most captivating and surprising artists in Monaco. An unforgettable
show combining circus numbers, acrobatics, live music, theatre, and comedy,
performed by the internationally acclaimed troupe 8 Stars Monaco.
Exhibitions
Every summer, the
Grimaldi Forum hosts a major exhibition. The 2022 edition will be devoted to
the works and imagination of Christian Louboutin, creator of designer footwear
and a leading figure in the fashion world, who has often drawn inspiration from
the Principality. From 9 July to 28 August, “Christian Louboutin
l’Exhibition[niste]” will offer visitors an original perspective through three
dazzling decades of creativity.
Since 4 June, the “Polar Mission” exhibition has been running at the
Oceanographic Museum. The tour includes five themed areas, inviting visitors to
discover the polar regions, their incredible wildlife, and the people that live
and explore there. Features digital content and immersive exhibits for a 360°
experience.
Fun for all ages
This summer, Square
Gastaud promises to be the place to be for musical entertainment. Every
Wednesday evening from 6 July, a diverse line-up will be performing to the
delight of young and old alike. A total of eight concerts, including four for
young audiences, will be held in the heart of the La Condamine district. Jazz,
gospel, and soul will light up the square around 7.30 pm.
Fancy attending an NRJ concert? At the initiative of the National Council and
organised jointly by the Prince’s Government and Monaco City Hall, the NRJ MC
Summer Concert will take place on 8 July at the Espace Léo Ferré. Free for
youngsters from the Principality, Keen’v, Camélia Jordana, Yanns, Ridsa,
Lucenzo, and Kungs will all be performing live on stage.
From 14 July to 21 August, Port Hercule will be transformed! A host of
activities will be available along Quai Albert Ier for the duration of the
period. An inflatable attraction will be installed to allow youngsters aged 3
and over to try their hand at go-karting and electric motorcycle riding in
total safety. A large basketball court will also be set up for hoops fans of
all ages.
Port Hercule is set to be illuminated for two spectacular evenings. Pyrotechnic
displays are returning to the Principality! On the programme of this 2022
edition, there will be two firework displays, launched from boats off the coast
of Monaco on Saturday 30 July and Saturday 13 August at 10 pm.
On 8 July, Monaco-Ville will hold its traditional carnival, called “U Sciaratu”
from the Monegasque word meaning “pandemonium” or “bedlam”. In the early part
of the 20th century, “U Sciaratu” involved welcoming masked revellers in
winter, but the event is now held early in the summer. This year’s carnival
will feature parades of floats, marching bands, and other activities, as well
as a grand ball with music courtesy of a DJ - all on the theme of Africa.
©Benjamin Vergély