Mayor Georges Marsan has outlined a vision for 2025 as a “strategic year” for Monaco’s municipal progress, highlighting key achievements from the past year and major projects on the horizon. Among the most anticipated initiatives are the reopening of the Jardin Exotique, the transformative renovation of the Condamine Market and efforts to restore the Espace Lamartine.
In a press meeting held in the Salle des Mariages of Monaco’s Town Hall on the Rock, the mayor, joined by municipal council members, spoke about the importance of these developments midway through his current term. Despite a challenging 2024, marked by his temporary absence due to legal proceedings, Marsan reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Principality’s infrastructure and cultural highlights.
Record attendance and new milestones
Mayor Marsan praised a 30% surge in attendance at the Christmas Village, highlighting the remarkable community spirit and participation. He also noted the successful inauguration of the renovated council room and the reopening of the Monte-Carlo Créche. Another highlight is the progress on the Îlot Pasteur development, which will house the Caroline Multi-Media Library, Léo Ferré performance space and rehearsal facilities.
The Jardin Exotique (Exotic Garden) is set to reopen by the end of summer 2025, with the promise of a revitalised experience for visitors. Planned improvements include a new courtyard café accessible without a garden entry ticket. The garden’s location, now supported by the nearby Salines parking facility, is expected to draw substantially more traffic and regain its status as a key tourist destination.
The new-look Condamine food hall will be able to accommodate over 300 people. Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life
Condamine Market: the centerpiece of municipal efforts
The mayor confirmed that the Condamine Market renovation is the “project of his mandate”. Slated to begin in January 2026, the 13-month construction will involve relocating all traders to temporary chalets on Place d’Armes.
The refurbished market, expected to open in April 2027, will feature a mezzanine, increased seating capacity for 300 people and modernised amenities aimed at enhancing its appeal as a central community hub.
According to the mayor, further consultation with the traders is due to take place soon.
Espace Lamartine: awaiting restoration
The future of Espace Lamartine remains uncertain following significant water damage last October. While many activities have been relocated to external sites, municipal officials are awaiting an expert report to determine whether partial reopening of the ground floor is feasible.
Artcurial’s wintertime Monaco Auction Week sessions at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo will feature fine jewellery pieces and watches for both men and women.
Among the highlights in the jewellery category is a charming Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Ballerina’ clip from 1945, valued at €20,000 to €25,000. Other brands and designers featured among the prestigious lots include Boucheron, Cartier, Chaumet, Hermès, Pomellato, Fred, and creations by Claude Lalanne, Jean Vendome, Elizabeth Gage, Margherita Burgener, and Schumberger.
In the watches section of the sale, a Richard Mille RM030 titanium wristwatch from 2021, featuring date and power reserve indications, is attracting attention. The piece has been estimated at €120,000 to €180,000.
Viewings for all lots will be available on 19th and 20th January from 11am until 7pm at the Hôtel Hermitage.
The first jewellery auction will be held on 20th January at 2pm, followed by the men’s watches auction at 5pm and the Le Temps est Féminin session for women’s watches at 7pm.
The following day, the remaining jewellery lots will again be on display at the hotel, ahead of a second auction at 2pm.
Bidders can participate online, by telephone, via absentee bids, or in person at the Hôtel Hermitage. Complimentary valuations are also available for anyone wishing to appraise their items with no obligation to sell.
For further information on auction registration or condition reports for specific lots, contact etsouvelekakis@artcurial.com.
Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum rolled out the red carpet for a thousand guests on Thursday night to celebrate its silver anniversary in spectacular style. The evening held dual significance, marking 25 years of excellence and unveiling the Forum’s bold new extension, with Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene presiding over the momentous occasion.
The milestone event on 16th January attracted dignitaries, press, employees, and long-time supporters of the Grimaldi Forum, who gathered to witness a historic moment for the Principality.
Photo by Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life
“With this expansion, as well as the new Mareterra district and the renovated Larvotto beach area, the entire environment around the Grimaldi Forum is receiving a fresh new look,” said Prince Albert II in his speech. “This is our new asset to enhance the appeal of the Monaco Destination, and I am truly delighted about it!”
A monumental expansion for Monaco
The Grimaldi Forum’s extension, more than 10 years in the making, adds 6,000 square metres of modular indoor event space and 2,000 square metres of outdoor areas. Designed to harmonise with Monaco’s landscape including the new Mareterra district, there is minimal visual impact of the expansion. Highlights include the Parvis Émeraude forecourt, the Ravel and Indigo terraces, and the impressive Patio, which opens directly to the Mediterranean.
The new 6,000sqm expansion is located to the right of the 25-year-old centre. Photo source: Grimaldi Forum Monaco
Inside, the Galerie Diaghilev acts as the centrepiece of the extension. This 1,300-square-metre space connects the new and old sections seamlessly, with glass windows allowing natural light to flood in.
The design incorporates natural materials such as light wood and polished stone, along with contemporary geometric lighting, blending sophistication with practicality.
Galerie Diaghilev is flooded with natural light. Photo source: Grimaldi Forum Monaco
For Sylvie Biancheri, General Director of the Grimaldi Forum, the inauguration represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Monaco’s leading congress and cultural venue.
“For some of our larger professional clients, the original venue sometimes felt a little too small,” she told Monaco Life. “We even had to build temporary structures on the esplanade to meet their needs. Adding 6,000 square metres means we can now fully cater to their expectations without compromise. This expansion is a strategic milestone for us and it is truly a fantastic birthday gift.”
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene with Sylvie Biancheri, General Director of the Grimaldi Forum. Photo source: Grimaldi Forum Monaco
Significantly, it is also the design of the new extension which will be welcomed by clients of the Grimaldi Forum, said Biancheri. “It’s wonderful for our clients because when they choose Monaco and a venue like the Grimaldi Forum, they expect to enjoy the Mediterranean’s breathtaking views and environment. This expansion really enhances that experience.”
Adding to the festivities, CMB Bank, a long-time supporter of the Grimaldi Forum, renewed its financial sponsorship for an impressive 20th consecutive year. “For two decades, we have shared a common ambition: to participate in the influence of the Principality. For us, it is not an investment, it is a partnership. Culture is an essential pillar of the Monegasque community,” said CMB Managing Director Francesco Grosoli.
Ballet performances punctuated a celebratory evening. Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Government Communications Department
A night to remember
The evening began in the grand Salle des Princes, with a video reflecting on the Forum’s illustrious history. Archival footage of Prince Rainier III’s inauguration speech in 2000 added a poignant touch, reminding guests of the Grimaldi Forum’s enduring impact and the late Prince’s vision for his Principality.
Guests were treated to a world-class performance created with the support of Jean-Christophe Maillot, Choreographer Director of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo. The performance featured internationally renowned choreographic artists Olga Smirnova and Victor Caixeta, along with students from the Princess Grace Academy, under the direction of Luca Masala. The evening showcased Monaco’s deep commitment to culture and highlighted the Grimaldi Forum’s unique ability to blend artistry and business seamlessly within a single venue.
Staff of the Grimaldi Forum joined Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene on stage at the end of the performance presentation. Photo source: Grimaldi Forum Monaco
Following the performances, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene joined Father Jean-Ariel Bauza-Salinas for a combined blessing and official unveiling of the Forum’s remarkable new extension.
The party continued with an elegant cocktail dînatoire in the new Diaghilev Gallery, where guests explored the versatile new spaces designed to host everything from grand exhibitions to intimate business gatherings.
The night culminated with an electrifying Electro Winter Party, where more guests gathered in the Pinede Hall, with prominent DJs Bon Entendeur, Parallelle and Monaco’s own DJ Baloo, leaving attendees in awe of the venue’s potential.
The Electro Winter Party welcomed around 900 other guests. Photo source: Grimaldi Forum Monaco
A new chapter for business tourism
The expanded Grimaldi Forum now boasts 41,000 square metres of event space, with state-of-the-art facilities tailored to meet the needs of the world’s most demanding clients. Already, the venue has secured prestigious events for its additional spaces, including Milwaukee, the American tools and machinery company, which will be the first to utilise the new facilities for three weeks.
“From the Casino Square to Larvotto Beach, the entire area has been transformed,” said Sylvie Biancheri proudly. “We are confident this will make Monaco the most attractive location for business tourism in Europe.”
Main photo: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene officially inaugurate the Grimaldi Forum extension, alongside General Director Sylvie Biancheri (far right) and President Henri Fissore (far left). Source: Grimaldi Forum Monaco
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