AS Monaco Basketball’s Mike James, who was voted Most Valuable Player of the 2023/24 EuroLeague season, has been selected to join the prestigious list of players honoured in the All-25 EuroLeague Team, alongside titans of the game such as Nando De Colo, Nikola Vujcic and his current coach, Vassilis Spanoulis.
In honour of its 25th anniversary in its current format, the EuroLeague has created the All-25 EuroLeague Team. The initiative celebrates players who have helped build the reputation of both the competition and the sport in Europe over the last quarter-century.
The first batch of players to join the team – Nando De Colo, Sergio Llull, Ramunas Siskauskas, Vassilis Spanoulis and Nikola Vujcic – was announced at the end of February, followed by the latest intake, which includes Monaco’s Mike James, in early March.
James was crowned Most Valuable Player of the 2023/24 EuroLeague competition by a coterie of fans, media figures, head coaches and team captains.
The 34-year-old Oregon native is the league’s all-time leader in terms of points scored and is the only player to have ever produced more than 5,000 career points during his 11 seasons in the EuroLeague. He joined AS Monaco Basketball from CSKA Moscow in 2022 and has proved fundamental to the Roca Team’s ambitions to establish itself on the European stage.
Alongside James, the second round of entrants into the All-25 Team includes Dimitris Diamantidis, Vasilije Micic, Anthony Parker and Sergio Rodriguez.
The long-awaited renovation of La Condamine Market is finally taking shape, with detailed plans and a timeline now revealed. Mayor Georges Marsan and his team have outlined what’s in store for this historic marketplace, including a full makeover, modernised facilities and a reopening date set for early 2027.
La Condamine Market (Marché de la Condamine) has been at the heart of Monaco’s daily life since 1880, serving as a bustling spot where locals shop, dine and socialise. Over the years, it has seen several renovations, most recently in 2012, but the latest overhaul is set to be the biggest yet. The €10 to €12 million project will tackle much-needed updates to meet modern safety, technical and comfort standards while ensuring the market retains its unique charm.
On Tuesday 4th March, Monaco Mayor Georges Marsan and municipal members held a press conference to unveil the initial plans for the project.
“We do not want to talk about the market hall merely as a place where people shop or have lunch. It is, in fact, a true meeting point where all social classes come together, a space for exchange and sharing, both welcoming and family-friendly, where people gather spontaneously to enjoy moments of life. Some even consider it the beating heart of the Principality,” said the mayor.
La Condamine Market offers everything from a quick lunch to a tasty apéro and a quality butcher. Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life
Based on feedback from over 1,000 residents and visitors, the redesign will focus on creating a more comfortable and practical space. One of the most significant changes will be the increase in seating capacity, which will nearly double to around 300 seats. A mix of communal tables and smaller, more intimate settings will ensure there is space for everyone, whether they are dining alone or gathering with friends and family.
The overall layout of the market will also see major improvements. The central stalls will be removed to enhance visibility and make movement through the space more fluid, while wider walkways will allow for easier browsing and a more open feel. In response to longstanding concerns, the facilities will be upgraded with additional restrooms, better temperature control and improved ventilation to create a more comfortable experience for both shoppers and vendors.
The new Marché de la Condamine bar. Image source: Jerome Hein, The A Group
The market’s new design will blend modernity with tradition, incorporating wood and ceramic finishes, strategic lighting and green mezzanines that will add a fresh and inviting atmosphere. The space will also become more event-friendly, with the addition of two large screens, a professional sound system and a dedicated event area, reinforcing La Condamine Market’s role as a social hub in Monaco.
Construction timeline and temporary relocation
Work is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and will last 13 months, meaning the new-look market will reopen in early 2027. During construction, traders will relocate to Place d’Armes, ensuring they can continue serving customers throughout the transition.
Speaking at the press conference, José Maestra, President of the La Condamine Market Traders and owner of 3 Tapas, acknowledged both the excitement and challenges surrounding the project.
“Most of the merchants are very pleased with this project, as it will allow us to welcome our customers in better conditions, with air conditioning, heating and facilities adapted to the diverse cuisines we offer. We see this as a positive development, but of course, our main concern remains the construction period. That is what we are focusing on right now,” he shared.
The first images of the new look La Condamine Market hall. Image source: Jerome Hein, The A Group
One key issue still to be resolved is parking. The municipality requested an expansion of parking facilities back in 2023, but approval has yet to be granted. For now, visitors will have to rely on the existing parking spaces, which can be hard to come by during peak lunchtime hours.
The market’s future
Despite the disruption, the project is set to breathe new life into La Condamine Market while maintaining its much-loved character. And for those worried about missing out on their usual visits, Norma restaurant on the upper floor will remain open throughout the works.
With the plans now outlined, the countdown is on for the next chapter in the history of this iconic marketplace.
Monaco is going all out for International Women’s Day on 8th March with a huge roster of events taking place across the Principality, from the PowHer forum to mentorship sessions, workplace discussions, wellness activities and live music.
While Monaco’s official PowHer event will be the main event on 8th March, other initiatives across the Principality will also explore the themes of female leadership, workplace inclusivity, well-being and culture.
The Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo, the only female-led hotel in Monaco, will be marking the occasion with a series of events centred on empowerment, personal growth and well-being, featuring expert-led discussions and networking opportunities. Starting on 5th March, the hotel will welcome #Girlboss, a speed mentoring event organised by SheCanHeCan in partnership with AFCEM. Open to young women aged 11 to 25, the session aims to connect students with female leaders from various industries.
On 7th March, the focus shifts to menopause in the workplace, with a talk led by Laura Wingate, the founder of Meno Plan. The session will explore the challenges of menopause in professional settings and put forward solutions for creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment. The event is free to attend, but seating is limited. To reserve your seats, click here.
On 8th March, International Women’s Day, Columbus will host a wellbeing event by Cozette, designed as a space for relaxation and reflection. In collaboration with Radio Monaco and Giulia Testaverde, the event will bring together experts to discuss topics ranging from beauty to personal growth. Running from 1.30pm to 6pm, the afternoon session is priced at €59. To purchase a ticket, click here.
Elsewhere in the Principality, the Marius restaurant in Port Hercule will also mark International Women’s Day on 8th March with a live evening performance by blues and soul singer-songwriter Marjorie Martinez. Additionally, the venue will spotlight its female staff through a social media campaign and offer a small token of appreciation to its female patrons.
In honour of the groundbreaking architect Emilio Ambasz, a resident of the Principality and a keen member of the Club des Résidents Etrangers de Monaco, Columbia University has announced it will launch a fascinating series of lectures in 2025 that will bear his name and be delivered by the finest names in architecture.
Emilio Ambasz, a world-renowned architect and industrial designer who is often referred to as the father of green architecture, was born in Argentina in 1943. Today, he lives in Monaco and is an active participant in the Club des Résidents Etrangers de Monaco, having delivered a lecture to his fellow members earlier this year.
He has received numerous accolades over the course of his storied career, with one of his standout projects – the iconic Casa de Retiro Espiritual in Seville, Spain – set to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. The building remains one of the most influential architectural works of its time.
Now, Ambasz can add another feather to his cap with the announcement that Columbia University in New York is set to pay tribute to his enduring contributions to architecture and his legacy of innovation by giving his name to a new series of lectures: the Emilio Ambasz Annual Lecture on Architecture as Poetry.
The inaugural event in this prestigious series, which is dedicated to exploring the intersection of architecture and creativity at Columbia, will take place on 7th April. Kengo Kuma, an acclaimed Japanese architect known for his innovative approach to blending architecture with nature and using traditional materials in modern designs, has been confirmed as the first speaker of the series.
After Kuma’s lecture, the series will invite various other leading figures in architecture from around the world to discuss how design can transcend mere function to become an artistic and emotional expression.
“I consider architecture as the search for a spiritual dwelling,” says Ambasz. “An architect can be the guardian of the desert of cities created by man or be the magician who creates eternal forms. The context in which the architect is called to operate may change, but the task remains the same: to give poetic form to the pragmatic. If an architectural work doesn’t move the heart, it’s just another building.”
Speaking about the new series, Barry Bergdoll, the Meyer Schapiro Professor of Art History and Archaeology at Columbia University, noted, “We are all so pleased to introduce this lecture series, made possible by and carrying the name of world-renowned architect, designer, curator and theoretician Emilio Ambasz. Ambasz has a poetic and emotive approach to architecture. The series aims to further one of his life-long commitments, namely that, in addition to all the technical and societal demands at the core of the architect’s task, the discipline is imbued with the poetic.”
The lecture series will be hosted by the university’s Department of Art History and Archaeology, a department with a distinguished tradition of architectural scholarship. Notable faculty members such as Rudolph Wittkower, Howard Hibbard, and Robert Branner have contributed to its rich legacy, making it an ideal home for this initiative.
“It is fitting that Columbia’s Department of Art History and Archaeology will be home to this unique lecture series,” says Amy Hungerford, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University. “The department’s curriculum is interdisciplinary and encourages students to explore all the domains of human experience that inspire, disturb or energise the imagination, of which architecture is certainly one.”
For the first time in his tenure as Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan will attend MIPIM, Europe’s largest real estate conference.
The Marché International des Professionnels de l’Immobilier, most widely known as MIPIM, is an annual global real estate sector event held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. It is one of the most significant events of its kind, serving as a key platform for professionals in the real estate, architecture and urban planning industries to network, explore new and potential projects, and collaborate on innovations that could shape the cities and urban landscapes of tomorrow.
This year’s edition will soon get underway – the four-day event starts on 11th March and continues until 14th March – bringing together thousands of international developers, investors and policymakers to discuss the future of the property market.
For the first time in his nearly nine-year tenure as London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan has confirmed that he will attend the event, marking a significant shift in his approach to global investment and urban development. His decision to participate aligns with the Labour government’s focus on economic growth and reflects London’s ongoing efforts to attract global investment.
His predecessors, Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson, were frequent participants at MIPIM and regularly attended with the goal of promoting the UK capital, but Khan had previously opted out. With London facing a severe shortage of affordable housing, his presence at MIPIM signals an intent to engage directly with those who could play a role in addressing the crisis.
As part of his visit, Khan will take part in the London at MIPIM initiative, which will position the city as a global leader in real estate, innovation and investment. The London Stand, centrally located on La Croisette, will also serve as a hub for key stakeholders, including developers, architects and decision-makers, to forge partnerships and explore opportunities. Meanwhile, the London Club, an exclusive networking space, will further facilitate connections with industry leaders, reinforcing the city’s role as a major player in global real estate.
Khan won’t be the only high-profile mayor at the event, with Haris Doukas of Athens, José Luis Martínez-Almeida of Madrid and Roberto Gualtieri of Rome all set to participate and represent their cities and regions on the global stage, according to MIPIM organisers.
Their participation underscores the significance of MIPIM as a platform for cities to showcase their investment potential and collaborate on solutions to urban challenges.
MIPIM is expected to draw more than 20,000 delegates from 90 nations, who collectively manage upward of €4 trillion in assets. Over 300 stands will give attendees plenty to explore, with global real estate agencies such as Knight Frank, Cushman & Wakefield and Savills, as well as investment firms and geo-focused representatives from individual cities worldwide, featuring on the plans.
For more information on the upcoming edition of MIPIM, click here.
Next month, Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris will present a truly extraordinary collection at its online For All Mankind: The Artistic Legacy of Early Space Exploration auction. The sale, featuring some 450 vintage NASA photographs from the esteemed collection of space historian Victor Martin-Malburet, offers collectors a rare chance to acquire historic images of legendary moments, such as Neil Armstrong’s first-ever snap of the lunar surface in 1969 and William Anders’ iconic Earthrise photo from 1968.
In the early age of space exploration, NASA’s base in Houston, Texas, operated the world’s most advanced photo laboratory. Working in collaboration with leading brands of the era, such as Hasselblad, Zeiss and Kodak, the laboratory processed thousands of spectacular images, primarily intended for scientific use to aid future missions. Many ultimately made their way into the public eye to great excitement and fanfare.
Victor Martin-Malburet, who first encountered space photography at the age of 15, was one of many people instantly captivated by these images and spent years tracking down other photographs that had been “buried in scientific archives and the collections of former NASA engineers”.
“I was awestruck by the famous photograph of Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, with the Lunar Module reflected in his visor,” recalls Martin-Malburet. “What could be more disruptive than the moment when humans left their planet for the first time and set foot on another world? At a time when photography was still analogue, the prints produced by NASA were the treasures brought back from the unknown by the astronauts—for all mankind.”
Now, 450 vintage NASA photographs from his prestigious collection are set to go under the gavel at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr’s online auction, For All Mankind: The Artistic Legacy of Early Space Exploration, running from 14th to 28th April. Price estimates start as low as €300.
Among the highlights is Earthrise, captured by Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders (€12,000 to €18,000), who passed away in 2024. This image became one of the most influential in history, profoundly shaping humanity’s view of Earth.
William Anders’ 1968 image Earthrise. Photo courtesy of Bonhams
Another striking lot is the only known photograph of Neil Armstrong standing next to the Lunar Module on the Moon, taken by Buzz Aldrin and expected to fetch between €18,000 and €25,000. Rediscovered 17 years after NASA initially denied its existence, this image remains a historical rarity.
The auction also features Neil Armstrong’s first photograph on the lunar surface, estimated at €7,000 to €10,000. The image went unpublished by NASA after Apollo 11, the spaceflight that made history as the moment when humans first landed on the Moon.
Another remarkable image is the first-ever space selfie, taken by Buzz Aldrin during Gemini 12 (€8,000 to €10,000), now recognised as a defining moment in space photography after being nearly forgotten in official records. Other historic offerings include John Glenn’s first photograph taken by a human in space during Friendship 7 (€4,000 to €6,000) and the first still image of a human in space: Ed White’s pioneering spacewalk during Gemini 4 (€4,000 to €6,000), which is pictured above.
“The Apollo astronauts captured humanity’s greatest dreams through their cameras,” said Sabine Cornette de Saint Cyr, who is leading the sale. “Their photographs will forever symbolise the beginning of our expansion into the universe. Today, space exploration is once again a burning topic. It was only natural for Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr to present these undisputed masterpieces of the 20th century to collectors, as they continue to fascinate and enrich our imagination.”
For more information about the auction and the lots in For All Mankind: The Artistic Legacy of Early Space Exploration, click here.
