After years of delays and setbacks, Monaco’s beloved Jardin Exotique is finally set to reopen in 2025, promising a fully renovated space for locals and tourists.
The long-awaited reopening of Monaco’s iconic Jardin Exotique is finally on the horizon, with Mayor Georges Marsan confirming in Monaco Vivre ma Villa, the Mairie’s magazine, that the site is expected to welcome visitors again by the end of summer 2025. The news comes after years of setbacks, funding hurdles, and extensive renovation work on one of Monaco’s most beloved attractions.
Speaking about the current status of the garden, Mayor Marsan explained, “The Jardin Exotique was closed for several years due to technical reasons, primarily for securing the rocks, and this work is ongoing. During this time, the Botanical Centre has continued to welcome visitors, and the gardeners have carefully maintained all the species.”
Marsan further elaborated on how the renovations have been used as an opportunity to completely transform the site: “We have taken advantage of these works to embellish and fully renovate the space, including the entire upper section, which features the covered area. This newly reconfigured zone will offer more opportunities for hosting private events such as weddings. Everything will be designed to accommodate guests, including a new bar.”
The government financed the majority of the renovations, while the Mairie contributed to the upper section’s upgrades. “The end of summer 2025 should mark the reopening of this unique place in Monaco, which is so dear to the Monégasque people and the many tourists who visit our country,” said Mayor Marsan.
A troubled past: delays and funding issues
The closure of the Jardin Exotique in 2020 initially seemed like a temporary measure for necessary safety improvements and modernisation efforts. However, as the project progressed, it ran into significant funding and bureaucratic challenges.
Originally set to reopen in 2022, the project faced delays when the €16 million needed to complete the renovations and conduct essential safety studies failed to materialise.
See more: No Jardin Exotique until 2023, says mayor
The renovation effort has also been hampered by an ongoing dispute between the Mairie and the government regarding a land transfer project tied to the nearby cemetery. The Mairie argued that the government’s offer did not adequately compensate for the land’s value, which delayed the approval of necessary projects.
A century-old legacy
The Jardin Exotique, one of Monaco’s most visited attractions, boasts a rich history. Conceived by Prince Albert I in 1912 and completed in 1933, the 11,500-square-meter garden is home to nearly a thousand plant species from semi-arid environments, including century-old cacti. Its panoramic views over the Principality have earned it international recognition, including being named one of the most beautiful gardens in the world by the 2021 edition of the Ulysses Guide.
The garden is now set to reopen in 2025, reflecting Monaco’s dedication to preserving its cultural and natural heritage. As Mayor Marsan remarked, “The Monégasque people and our many visitors will soon rediscover this extraordinary place, completely transformed and ready for a new era.”
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Photo credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, Flickr
