Culture in Monaco this spring: essential exhibitions

Re-opening of the State Apartments at the Prince’s Palace on 26 March  
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco, crown jewel of the Principality, will re-open to the public on 26 March.  Step inside Monegasque history with a tour of the sumptuous State Apartments, hidden away inside the Home of the Princes. Take the unique opportunity to see the stunning Italian Renaissance frescoes, covering some 600 square metres of walls, which were recently uncovered after centuries concealed from human eyes.

Throughout 2023, Monaco marked the centenary of the birth of Prince Rainier III, with a series of commemorative events. The celebrations began on 31 May, and were accompanied by a number of exhibitions looking back at Prince Rainier’s life and reign from different angles. Some of those will be closing soon, but others are set to become a permanent fixture.

“The Prince and the Mediterranean” exhibition at the Oceanographic Museum 
Originally intended to be temporary, the Oceanographic Museum is making “The Prince and the Mediterranean” permanent. The exhibition is the Oceanographic Institute’s tribute to Prince Rainier and his unshakeable commitment to the seas, the Mediterranean in particular. Visitors are invited to step aboard his boat, Deo Juvante II. Guided by the voices of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie, they will navigate their way through four themed spaces, each intimately exploring a different facet of the Prince and his passion for the oceans.

“A Prince, A Museum” exhibition at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology; until 5 April
There are just a few days left to visit “A Prince, A Museum” at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. The exhibition celebrates the visionary legacy of the current museum’s founder, Prince Rainier III. Learn the story of how the second museum - a site museum - was created in the heart of the Exotic Garden, just a few yards from the Observatory Cave. Discover the many digs carried out during the Prince’s reign and the incredible donations made by the Prince and his wife, Princess Grace. Explore a variety of areas on themes ranging from support for the Monegasque language to holiday camps proposed by Louis Barral, the Museum’s Director at the time.

“Pasolini in Chiaroscuro” exhibition at the Villa Sauber; from 29 March to 29 September
This exhibition is the NMNM’s tribute to Pier Paolo Pasolini, one of Europe’s greatest intellectuals. Half a century after his death, the world-renowned polymath’s influence continues to be felt in a multitude of fields, inspiring contemporary creators. The exhibition looks at the influence of classical and contemporary art on the aesthetics of his films. Part of the exhibition also features works by several international artsist in homage to Pasolini.