Architectural and artistic features of Monaco

The Opéra Garnier in Monte-Carlo, a jewel of the Belle Époque

Built in 1879 by Charles Garnier - the architect of the Paris Opera - theMonte-Carlo Opera House occupies the south wing of the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. Inside, the Salle Garnier, an Italian-style theatre, stands out for its Belle Époque ornamentation: frescoes, gilded stucco, marble columns and painted ceilings provide a sumptuous setting, originally designed for a wealthy cosmopolitan clientele. The great Sarah Bernhardt was one of the first artists to perform there when it was inaugurated. Today, under the direction of Cécilia Bartoli, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo perpetuates this heritage of excellence by programming lyric concerts, operas, ballets and major international artists.

Fort Antoine, a theatre on the ramparts

Situated at the north-eastern tip of the Rock, the Fort Antoine offers spectacular views over the Mediterranean. The stonework and small watchtower are reminders of the site's military architecture. Built in the early eighteenth century as a defence post, damaged during the Second World War and then rebuilt under the reign of Prince Rainier III, it has now been converted into an open-air theatre. Every summer, the venue offers a programme of free music and theatre open to all.

Yacht Club de Monaco: lines stretching towards the horizon

Bordering Port Hercule, the building of the Yacht Club de Monaco looks like a cruise ship, ready to set sail. Inaugurated in 2014, it was designed by British architect Lord Norman Foster, with Jacques Grange and Nelson Wilmotte responsible for the interior fittings. This vast building, certified High Environmental Quality, houses the activities of the prestigious yachting club founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier III and chaired today by H.S.H. Prince Albert II, which organises numerous international nautical events. It has several restaurants and bars, as well as a swimming pool, reserved for its members.

Villa La Vigie, a viewpoint over the Mediterranean

Located on Monte-Carlo Beachsurrounded by vegetation, Villa La Vigie was Karl Lagerfeld's winter residence for many years. Built in 1902, it overlooks the sea and offers a 360-degree view of the Mediterranean, the mountains and the Principality. Its classic, sober architecture contrasts with the opulence of other Belle Époque villas. This exceptional residence, now owned by the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer group, embodies the great Mediterranean art of living and can be rented out for private stays or events.

The glass roof of the Grimaldi Forum, under the light of the zenith

In the Larvotto district, on the edge of Mareterra, the Grimaldi Forum is the Principality's Conference and Cultural Centre. At the entrance to this "ship of modern times", the large glass roof is the architectural signature. A vast atrium of glass and steel, bathed in natural light and freely accessible, it regularly hosts exhibitions, trade shows and cultural events, and can also be used for private functions.

The Troglodyte Villa, carved out of the rock

Hidden in the heights of the Principality, the Villa Troglodyte is an atypical architectural project designed in 2019 by Jean-Pierre Lott. Built right into the rock, it uses it as a natural envelope, minimising its visual and energy footprint. A model of eco-design, it is equipped with solar panels, rainwater harvesters and geothermal systems. Although it is not open to the public, it is often cited as an example of a luxury villa integrated into its environment. An architectural curiosity to be observed from a distance for those interested in ecological trends incontemporary housing.