What to do in the Principality this summer

Fecha de publicación: 30/06/2022
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