Prince's Palace of Monaco

A monument with medieval origins

An iconic monument of the Principality, the Palace tells the story of Monaco through its architecture and its transformations.

Built from 1215 onwards on the ruins of a Genoese fortress, the Prince's Palace of Monaco has stood the test of time, evolving with the changing eras. From the 17th century onwards, it became a residence befitting the Grand Siècle, marking a turning point in its architecture and refinement.

During the reign of Prince Honoré II, the Palace was enriched with precious art collections. Unfortunately, most of these works were lost during the French Revolution, a period during which the Palace was looted and converted into a military hospital for the Army of Italy.

The splendid Place du Palais is an iconic spot in its own right: offering breathtaking views of Port Hercule and Port de Fontvieille, featuring historic cannons and cannonballs, and the symbolic statue of François Grimaldi… An exceptional heritage site, to be explored to your heart’s content!

Visiting the State Apartments

The State Apartments of the Prince's Palace are open to the public for part of the year, offering visitors a journey through history and the princely art of living. Among the most remarkable rooms, visitors can admire:

  • The Cour d’Honneur, which hosts the Monaco Philharmonic Orchestra’s programme every summer;
  • The Gallery of Hercules, adorned with mythological frescoes;
  • The Hall of Mirrors, inspired by Versailles;
  • The York Salon and the York Bedroom, with their classic charm;
  • The Louis XV Salon and its adjoining bedroom, with period décor;
  • The Throne Room, still used for major ceremonies.

All this is complemented by a rich collection of tapestries, frescoes, antique paintings and period furniture, bearing witness to the refinement of the Grimaldi dynasty.

A preserved heritage

The Prince's Palace of Monaco, still home to the current princely family, is therefore subject to constant maintenance to support both daily life and diplomatic functions.

When the first restoration team entered the Palace in 2013, no one could have imagined the scale of the discoveries that lay ahead. What was intended to be a simple decorative painting project turned into a major scientific exploration: hidden beneath the Palace’s ceilings were late Renaissance frescoes, truly monumental testimonies to the Grimaldi family’s epic history since the 16th century.

Initiated by H.S.H. Prince Albert II as part of a long-term approach, this project places the Sovereign in the tradition of his ancestors, great patrons who have always sought to preserve and embellish their residence, by restoring nearly 600 m² of decorative work with the utmost respect for traditional techniques and materials.

History dates the building’s original construction to the late 12th century. However, the siege led by the Genoese in 1506–1507 was to profoundly shape the fate of this early fortress. Augustin Grimaldi, followed by Étienne Grimaldi – guardian to Honoré I – transformed the ‘old castle’ into a Renaissance palace. The second quarter of the 16th century thus marked a decisive turning point. Within a few decades, the Grimaldi lords’ residence took on the appearance that ten years of restoration have now restored to it.

The unmissable changing of the guard

Every day at 11.55 am sharp, on the Place du Palais, don’t miss the ceremonial changing of the guard by the Prince’s Carabiniers. This solemn military ritual, performed with rigour and precision, attracts numerous visitors every day.

Since 8 December 1817, the Carabiniers have been tasked with ensuring the security of the Palace, His Serene Highness the Sovereign Prince and the Princely Family. They also assist in law enforcement and the maintenance of public order. Their motto is: ‘Honour, Loyalty, Dedication’.

A visit to the Prince's Palace, Monaco’s iconic landmark, combines history, art, traditions and modernity. With its sumptuous State Apartments, its commitment to preserving heritage and its daily rituals, it perfectly embodies the spirit of the Principality.

Practical information

Opening days and times:

Tours of the State Apartments are available until Thursday 15 October 2026

  • From March to 30 June and from 1 September to October: Open daily from 10.00 to 18.00. The ticket office closes at 17.00 and last admission is at 17.15.
  • From 1 July to 31 August: Open daily from 10.00 to 19.00. The ticket office closes at 18.00, and last admission is at 18.15.

Closed for the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Monaco Grand Prix. 4–7 June 2026

Changes to opening hours & special closure:

  • 25 September: last admission at 3.00 pm, closes at 4.00 pm.
  • 1 October
  • 2 October
  • 3 October
  • 7 October

Opening times and dates are subject to change