A month of celebrations and culture in Monaco this June

Experience an incredible melting pot of music, dancing, captivating exhibitions, and new restaurants to try.

Events 

“PhiloMonaco Week 2024” lectures and debates from 11 to 16 June: Local philosophy association “Les Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco” invites you to “PhiloMonaco Week”, where philosophers can express and share their ideas freely with each other and the wider public, offering insights into the increasingly intractable problems of our contemporary world. The event aims to create a “community” built on thinking and dialogue, and will feature a number of special guest speakers, engaging in fascinating discussions and interacting with audiences, presenting their books, and taking part in round tables on topics ranging from ecology and education, to healthcare, women, and "art de vivre".

“63rd Monte-Carlo Television” from 14 to 18 June at the Grimaldi Forum: For 63 years, the Principality of Monaco has hosted its very own International Television Festival. Every year, studios, TV channels, online platforms and a host of celebrities gather in the idyllic Principality to promote their shows with the press and the public, and compete for a prestigious Golden Nymph award.

“European Archaeology Days” on 14 and 15 June at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology: Step back in time at Monaco’s Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, with guided VIP tours of the exhibits and the Suzanne Simone Research Lab, plus children’s activities for a fun and educational adventure.

"5th Meeting of the Historical Sites of the Grimaldis of Monaco” on 15 and 16 June, Place du Palais: The “5th Meeting of the Historical Sites of the Grimaldis of Monaco” will take place on the square outside the Prince’s Palace, with representatives from the towns of  Breil-sur-Roya, Bathernay, Ventimiglia, Olivetta San Michele, Airole, Ripacandida, Campagna, Monteverde, Spinazzola, Poggiorsini, Terlizzi, and Canosa di Puglia. Enjoy cultural activities and events, taste regional delicacies, and discover local arts and crafts. And don’t miss the incredible Sound & Light show that will be projected on the walls of the Prince’s Palace on the evening of 15 June.

“World Music Day": From 11 am to 11 pm on 21 June, no fewer than 17 different bands will be performing free concerts in districts all over the Principality to celebrate World Music Day, known locally as the “Fête de la Musique”.
One of the longest days of the year is also a joyous celebration of music in many countries - and Monaco is no exception! From small, open-air concerts in the streets of the city to indoor performances in more intimate settings, there will be music and melody in every part of the Principality. The traditional grand concert at Port Hercule will see rappers Big Flo and Oli take the stage on 22 June, marking not just World Music Day but also the centenary of ASM sports club. (Attendance at the concert is by invitation only, for Monegasques, residents of the Principality, and members of ASM. Tickets can be collected from Monaco City Hall).

Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo - "ACADEMY GALA" on 21 June at 7.30 pm and 23 June at 3 pm, at the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo: The grand Gala of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s Princess Grace Academy is always a special moment, and an opportunity for ballet aficionados to meet the members of the prestigious dance school, seeing for themselves how young talents learn to become elite dancers, embracing a variety of styles from the classical to the contemporary. The event is one of the highlights of the year for both the dancers and their instructors. Newcomers will take the stage of the Salle Garnier for the first time, while the Academy’s graduates will make their farewells before heading off to join illustrious international ballet companies.

Fête de la Saint Jean: On 23 and 24 June, the Principality will come alive for celebrations marking the Feast Day of Saint John. The atmosphere will be ignited when the traditional “batafoegu" or “bonfire of joy” is lit in Palace Square on the evening of 23 June, and on Place des Moulins on the night of 24 June.  Both festive evenings will feature live folk music by bands including La Palladienne de Monaco, guaranteeing a warm and welcoming ambiance around the fire. Before the "batafoegus" are lit, there will be religious services at the Prince’s Palace Chapel and Saint Charles Church in the Moulins district.

40th anniversary of the Princess Grace Rose Garden: "Every woman is an eternal rose in this world”... this was undoubtedly the founding maxim behind the Princess Grace Rose Garden, opened by Prince Rainier III in 1984 as a tribute to his wife, Grace Kelly. The garden, which can be found in the landscaped park of Fontvieille, houses some 315 varieties of rose, chosen personally by the Sovereign. To mark its 40th anniversary, gardeners from the Department of Urban Amenities are giving guided tours every Wednesday. A large decorative green wall has also bee installed in the garden, planted with roses in the shape of the number 40.

Exhibitions

“Miquel Barcelo, Oceanographer” at the NMNM – Villa Paloma from 7 June to 13 October: This exhibition features around sixty eclectic works of art (paintings, ceramics, embroidery, works on paper) from the prolific Miquel Barceló, a Spanish artist whose favourite theme is the sea.

"Art in Motion" at Espace 22 from 12 June to 10 July: Art in Motion is the revolutionary concept created by Najette Derni @madame.helmet! Taking inspiration from the principles espoused by Vitrivius, the exhibition seeks to blend structural integrity and opulence (Firmitas), elegant functionality (Utilitas), and unrivalled sophistication (Venustas). Explore a world where every piece is a symphony of style. A unique art experience not to be missed!

"Rêvolution" at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort from 1 to 30 June: Artist Marie-Laure Viébel presents “Rêvolution”, her latest creation inspired by the Seychelles’ iconic sea coconut, The exhibition is a surprising dialogue between humans and nature.  The seed, a potent symbol of fertility and the circle of life, here decorated in gold to represent sanctity, becomes a postbox where anyone can leave a message of hope.  Give expression to your innermost feelings, in the form of a wish, a dream, a prayer, or a commitment. In addition, the Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Monaco invites you to a celebration of the Indian Ocean island country, with activities open to the public in the Mediterranean Garden of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, on Saturday 29 June 2024 from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Leisure 

Open Air Cinema open from 15 June: Throughout the summer, the Open Air Cinema screens movies outdoors to the delight of cinephiles. In a unique, magnificent location below the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, overlooking the Mediterranean, the cinema promises memorable evenings of big screen entertainment under the stars. With 500 seats, a giant screen measuring more than 200 m2, a magical setting and all films shown in their original versions, this an immersive experience like no other.

"Splash Party", on 26 June from 2 pm to 6 pm at the Stade Nautique Rainier III: Splash Party is a sure fire hit with younger visitors, who can look forward to an afternoon of watery fun and games. There’s diving from the 5 metre board, a DJ providing a great musical vibe, and unlimited cool drinks (non-alcoholic of course) all included in the admission price.

Gourmet delights

Zeffirino, the iconic Genoese culinary institution owned by the Giraudi group, is opening a new restaurant on Place du Mozza in Monaco. Zeffirino first opened in Genoa in 1939, and the historic restaurant is famous for its pesto.

The Rose des Vents is re-opening under new ownership. Flavio Briatore, whose portfolio already includes the likes of Cipriani, Twiga, Cova, and Crazy Pizza, is now coming to the Larvotta with the Rose des Vents. The concept remains unchanged, but the sands in front of the restaurant have been transformed into a place where guests can party the day or night away: Falco Beach.

Amù at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo: There’s a brand new concept waiting to be discovered at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo! Amù - the Monegasque word for “love” - is a tribute to the city state and its distinctive heritage, and an ode to the Riviera with all its romance. A gem of a restaurant on the hotel’s roof, Amù blends the culinary flair and flavours of the French and Italian Rivieras to stunning effect. After finishing your meal, settle down with Amù by the Pool to relax and take in the incredible views.

Marius: Authentic, tasty, generous, festive, affordable... These are just some of the adjectives that best encapsulate Marius, the new restaurant at the port of Monaco, on the site formerly occupied by Conscientiae. The menu is a veritable ode to the south of France created by the Michelin-starred chef Sébastien Sanjou, including a selection of Provençal-inspired classics like aïoli and daube. Marius – which neatly references both Marcel Pagnol’s famous character and the Latin word for the sea - uses the freshest, finest ingredients sourced from the region’s best artisans, from fishers to market gardeners, to create a unique gastronomic experience in a stunning wood, terracotta, and marble-themed dining room overlooking the Mediterranean.

New for 2024 at Club La Vigie: This summer, the Club is reinventing itself with a brand new restaurant and new daytime experiences. Under the inspired leadership of Pascal Garrigues, Executive Chef at the Monte-Carlo Beach, the restaurant serves Mediterranean-style cuisine including grilled meats and fish of the day for lunch, with a sophisticated dinner menu, all in a stylish and refined atmosphere with a trio of musicians providing the perfect soundtrack. Dine in the shade of the terrace or under the stars, at this unique eatery nestling between the sea and the pines in a setting officially classed as a sanctuary by the Bird Protection League. Make the most of the Club all day, then party into the early evening with the resident DJ in the Lounge Bar and the Solar Lounge. Sunbeds on the terrace, ultra-exclusive beach cabins under the swaying pine trees, a choice between taking a dip in the sea or the Olympic pool at the Monte-Carlo Beach... Whatever takes your fancy, the Club la Vigie has all the ingredients for a perfect day. (Open from 30 May to 15 September).

Pop-up restaurants you absolutely have to try this summer

• Zia Pop-Up at Odyssey: This is where Italian tradition meets bold contemporary cuisine… The haute-couture concept restaurant designed by none other than Karl Lagerfeld serves original, contemporary pizzas made using the very finest organically-sourced Italian flour.  The inviting menu includes savoury pizzas with truffle or avocado caviar, and sweet versions topped with strawberry-pistachio or Piedmont hazelnut praline-chocolate. All created by chefs Manon Santini, the Dessert Pizza World Champion, and Rocco Seminara, winner of the prestigious Neptune Prize awarded by Joël Robuchon.
• • The Solar Lounge by Veuve Clicquot: Add some sparkle to your stay with a visit to the ultra-chic pop-up from Veuve Clicquot, directly opposite the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo in the heart of Monaco.

• The Mada Lounge: The Mada Lounge is taking up its summer residence in the Boulingrins Gardens.  Facing the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Mada One's summer pop-up eatery run by famous chef Marcel Ravin serves up cocktails and music, including DJ sets and live performances.
• The Crystal Lounge: For moments of pure relaxation under a star-laden sky, pay a visit to the Crystal Lounge at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, in the peaceful Excelsior Garden,  and soak up the laid-back lounge vibe in an oasis of lush greenery.
  
  

Events to look out for next month

• 11th MONACO ENERGY BOAT CHALLENGE
• JUMPING INTERNATIONAL DE MONTE-CARLO
• 2024 MONTE-CARLO SUMMER FESTIVAL