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Month: May 2025

Interview: Big Art Festival brings intimate glamour and musical excellence to Monaco’s summer stage

by: Cassandra Tanti
05/05/2025

Forget crowded stadiums and generic concert formats. The Big Art Festival, co-founded by veteran entertainment producer Maxim Berim, offers a uniquely intimate and elegant experience for Monaco’s discerning audience—and it’s rewriting the rules of what a luxury concert can be.

With over 25 years in the international entertainment industry and thousands of headline concerts under their belt, Maxim Berim and his partner set out to create something that didn’t yet exist: a boutique festival combining high-level musical artistry with the elegance of a gala. The result is the Big Art Festival—an ever-evolving series of exclusive events staged in some of the world’s most luxurious destinations, including, now, Monaco.

“We didn’t want just another massive one-location festival,” Berim told Monaco Life. “We travel a lot, we see a lot, and we felt there was space for something more personal. Something that feels like a private performance, in a stunning setting, for people who really appreciate music and art.”

The Big Art Festival

A new kind of concert for Monaco

While Monaco is known for its vibrant events calendar, especially during the Grand Prix, Berim saw an untapped niche. “Most of the events during that time are club nights or DJ-led afterparties for a younger crowd. Our format is different,” he says. “It’s designed for a 35-plus audience who values elegance, top-tier music, and a refined social atmosphere.”

This year’s Monaco Grand Prix weekend will showcase the Big Art Festival’s signature style, with an exclusive gala concert featuring the Black Eyed Peas and Craig David at the Sporting Monte-Carlo on Friday 23rd May. Blending globally recognised acts with fine dining and glamour, the event offers an elevated alternative to the high-octane party scene that dominates the weekend.

The Big Art Festival isn’t just about the music—it’s a fully immersive experience. Each evening begins with a red-carpet welcome and cocktail reception, followed by an elegant dinner and a curated programme of live performances. “We think about every single detail,” says Berim. “From what music plays when guests walk in, to how the lighting evolves throughout the evening, to when the headline act takes the stage—it’s all planned to create a natural flow of energy.”

The Big Art Festival at Lorenzo Montanelli, Italy

Not just another gala night

What makes the Big Art Festival stand out isn’t just the lineup—though that’s impressive, with past performances by Andrea Bocelli, Craig David, and OneRepublic. It’s the thoughtfulness behind the experience. “We’re not selling tickets—we’re selling tables. And with that comes a level of personal relationship and trust,” Berim notes. “It’s a community. People come not only for the artist, but because they know they’ll have a memorable night among like-minded people.”

The format also allows room for emerging talent. “We love mixing headline acts with rising stars,” says Berim. “It could be a gifted pianist from the UK or a singer from the Philippines. It’s about creating a full arc of entertainment, not just one highlight.”

The Big Art Festival at Lorenzo Montanelli, Italy

Craftsmanship behind the scenes

Behind the glamour lies an intense level of planning. The team now produces between 30 and 40 events a year, across destinations like Portofino, Capri, Dubai and Courchevel. “It looks effortless from the outside, but we’re working months ahead—booking artists, handling logistics, securing venues,” Berim shares. “It usually takes two to three months just to finalise a major act.”

To maintain the artistic integrity of the programme, the team recently brought on Raffaele Riccio—known for his work with Billionaire—as artistic director. “He’s helping us refine the theatrical flow of the evening. It’s not just a concert—it’s a show, and the mood needs to build naturally, with each act adding something new.”

A love for music at the core

Berim’s passion for music is more than professional—it’s deeply personal. A trained saxophonist with a degree from a music conservatory, he grew up in a musical family and brings that sensibility to every show. “Music is part of my DNA,” he says. “That’s why I care so much about the sound, the pacing, the energy in the room. If you start the main act while people are still eating, you’ve already lost the magic. But when everything clicks—it’s unforgettable.”

Jason Derulo at the Big Art Festival in Monaco, September 2024

What’s next for Big Art Festival?

The festival is steadily growing a global following, and Monaco is fast becoming one of its key locations. “We’ve built a loyal base of guests who now plan their holidays around our events,” says Berim. “We’re always looking ahead, already planning the next season. The demand is there, and Monaco is the perfect place for it—elegant, international, and full of people who understand and love quality.”

And the wishlist? “I’d love to bring in Michael Bublé. And Lady Gaga, especially for her jazz material. Also Celine Dion—these are artists who bring depth and emotion, not just spectacle.”

In a Principality known for spectacle, Big Art Festival is something else entirely: intimate, world-class, and crafted with the precision of a musical score. For Monaco’s cultural scene, it’s not just an event—it’s an experience.

See also: 

Black Eyed Peas to ignite Monaco GP festivities with exclusive performance

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Main photo of Maxim Berim. All photos sourced from Big Art Festival

 

Marcel Duchamp’s roulette-inspired artwork returns to Monte-Carlo 100 years later

by: Cassandra Tanti
05/05/2025

A century after Marcel Duchamp turned his fascination with roulette into a radical art object, his ‘Obligation pour la roulette de Monte-Carlo’ returns to its place of origin—on display this week inside the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo.

To mark the 100th anniversary of L’Obligation pour la roulette de Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has partnered with the Palais Princier and the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM) to bring one of Duchamp’s most subversive works home. From 1st to 8th May, the piece is being exhibited in the Atrium of the Casino de Monte-Carlo—the very venue that originally inspired it. The centenary celebration will culminate in a live performance by composer Luciano Chessa on 8th May in the Salle Blanche.

The work itself is a fusion of conceptual finance and avant-garde expression: a 1924 ‘bond’ created by Duchamp to raise funds for his gambling strategy in Monte-Carlo. The obligation, sold for 500 francs, promised a 20% return to shareholders and featured a striking image of Duchamp taken by Man Ray. Behind the artist’s face is a coded phrase—“moustiques, domestiques, demistock”—repeated as watermark, rendering each piece unique and deliberately irreproducible. As Duchamp merged game theory with artistic intent, he produced not just a financial instrument, but a ready-made masterpiece.

Photos source: MCSBM

As art collector Jane Heap wrote in The Little Review at the time, “If someone wants to buy unusual works of art for investment, here is the opportunity to invest in a perfect masterpiece. Marcel’s signature alone is worth far more than the 500 francs asked for the obligation.”

To honour this iconoclastic spirit, the NMNM and Monte-Carlo SBM will host a free public event on 8th May at 18:30, where Luciano Chessa will debut a sound performance composed for two roulette tables, a piano and a soprano, all woven together with an unpublished poem by Monegasque writer Louis Notari. The evening will also include a conversation between curator Benjamin Laugier and artist Giovanni Casu, along with an interactive introduction to European roulette.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Main photo source: MCSBM

Oliver Rowland tastes victory in first part of Monaco e-Prix double-header

by: Luke Entwistle
03/05/2025
Rowland celebrating his victory by spraying champagne on the podium after the conclusion of the Monaco e-Prix

Oliver Rowland continued his dominant form in the first of two back-to-back Monaco e-Prixs, which for the first time, included the new Pit Boost rule, shaking up an exciting race on the streets of Monte-Carlo.

Earlier in the day, Taylor Barnard, who became the youngest ever Formula E driver when he replaced an injured Sam Bird at last season’s Monaco e-Prix, became the youngest driver to put his car on pole after Rowland put his car in the wall in the qualifying final.

The Championship leader would atone for his error later in the day but his victory was anything but simple. The introduction of the ‘Pit Boost’ rule, already applied during the Miami e-Prix, means that drivers must pit in order to have their battery charged. As it does in the Formula 1 race, strategy therefore played its part.

Rowland going around the Fairmont Hairpin – Photo credit Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life

Andretti’s Nico Mueller was the major benefactor on this occasion. After a largely clean start, Rowland retained his lead in the opening laps, however, Mueller, who qualified 14th before suffering a puncture early in the race, stopped under a Full Course Yellow on lap 14, leapfrogging the competition and putting him in the lead of the race.

However, the Swiss driver was not able to retain his advantage. Lacking pace, he was eaten up by the grid, ultimately finishing fifth. Barnard was also sent tumbling down the order. The young Brit had already been overtaken by Rowland prior to the pit boosts, with the latter applying the pressure. Barnard twice cut a chicane to retain his lead, much to the frustration of Rowland, who called for clarity of the rules post-race.

Barnard then sustained damage on lap 24, going into the barrier at the Fairmont hairpin on lap 24. Whilst he kept his McLaren running, he failed to bring home any points for his team.

Rowland in front of the Monaco skyline in the Monaco e-Prix. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life

Rowland still had a fight on his hands. To his confusion, he was only informed by his team to take Attack Mode – which provides a temporary speed advantage but at the expense of going wide in Casino Square – late-on, meaning that he had to make his way up from fifth in the final laps.

Maserati MSG struggle at home e-Prix

He got the winning move done coming out of the tunnel on lap 26 of 30 with former Formula 1 driver Nyck de Vries finishing second, ahead of Jake Dennis. The Brit has now won three out of the first six races this season, becoming the first driver to do so since Sébastien Buemi in the 2016/17 season. He now has 94 points, 34 more than second-placed Pascal Wehrlein.

At their home e-Prix, Maserati MSG Racing had a difficult day, taking just two points thanks to Stoffel Vandoorne’s ninth-place finish.

Maserati MSG’s Stoffel Vandoorne at the Monaco e-Prix. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life

However, Maserati MSG Racing, like the rest of the grid, will get a second bite of the apple. This year’s Monaco e-Prix is a double-header, meaning that there will be a second race on Sunday. The celebrations, therefore, could not be too extravagant; the podium champagne was more sprayed than consumed.

“If there wasn’t another race, I’d feel quite a lot different and I would have other plans,” joked Rowland. “Your mind immediately switches to tomorrow. It changes the feeling of winning.”

Dennis added, “I think [the celebrations] would be better if there wasn’t a race tomorrow. Ultimately, we have to do the job tomorrow.” A slightly more muted podium, therefore, however, it is a big win for Rowland, who previously finished on the podium in Monaco in 2019. 

Rowland celebrates his Monaco e-Prix win. Photo credit: Luke Entwistle / Monaco Life

The win on the streets of Monte-Carlo may have lacked its usual effervescent taste but it is one that puts Rowland firmly in the driving seat in the race for the Formula E title.

 

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

Monaco’s 2024 employment report reveals record job growth, rising telework and a shifting workforce

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/05/2025

Monaco’s job market surged in 2024, adding thousands of new roles and reinforcing the Principality’s position as a magnet for private sector growth. The year brought a sharp rise in remote work, a spike in temporary contracts, and a workforce that’s more global—and older—than ever.

The Principality’s latest Observatoire de l’Emploi, released in April, provides a detailed look at the evolving landscape of employment in Monaco. With 78,364 jobs recorded at the end of 2024—up nearly 4,000 from the previous year—the market grew by 4.8%, its strongest pace in a decade. More than 92% of these roles are in the private sector, underlining Monaco’s reputation as a hub for agile, service-driven businesses.

Strong private sector growth led by hospitality and technical services

Monaco crossed a significant threshold in 2024: over 60,000 people are now employed in the private sector. The strongest gains were seen in hospitality and temporary work, with the accommodation and restaurant sector rising 7.6% and technical/admin services increasing by 7.5%. Temporary employment saw a 13.5% jump, almost double the growth of the overall private sector. In fact, interim workers now make up nearly 13% of all private sector employees—reflecting the Principality’s highly seasonal and service-oriented economy.

Telework becomes the norm for thousands

A standout shift in 2024 was the continued rise in telework. By year-end, nearly 6,800 employees were working remotely—up 19% from 2023. For the first time, more women than men were teleworking. The majority of remote workers live in France, but a growing number now reside in Italy, thanks to an expanded agreement that took effect in mid-2024. This evolution offers increased flexibility for Monaco-based companies while supporting cross-border talent retention.

Diversity rises, but gender imbalance remains

Monaco’s private sector is now home to workers from 145 nationalities, reflecting the Principality’s international appeal. French nationals remain the majority, followed by Italians and Portuguese, but the most significant growth came from Romanian workers, whose numbers have multiplied fivefold since 2015. Despite this growing diversity, gender parity is moving in the opposite direction. In 2024, women made up just 37.9% of private sector employees—down from 40.7% a decade ago. The decline is largely due to the male-dominated nature of temporary work and sectors like construction and logistics.

Ageing workforce and commuter shift

The average private sector employee in Monaco is now 42.4 years old—up by more than a year in the past decade. Workers over 55 represent nearly one in five employees. At the same time, the population commuting to Monaco continues to grow. Nice alone accounts for more than 16,000 workers, with the largest increases coming from further afield in the Alpes-Maritimes and Italy. Meanwhile, the share of Monaco-based employees has declined steadily, now representing just over 10%.

Entrepreneurship on the rise, but Monégasques remain a minority

Monaco closed 2024 with more than 6,000 self-employed individuals—a 51% increase over the past decade. The number of private employers has remained steady, though larger entities (with 200+ employees) are slowly increasing. Still, Monégasque nationals remain underrepresented: only about 1,000 work in the private sector, a number that has remained static for 10 years and now represents less than 2% of the total workforce.

As Monaco continues to modernise its economic model, the 2024 employment trends offer valuable insights for employers, investors, and entrepreneurs alike. With flexible work models growing, international talent deepening, and sectoral dynamics shifting, the Principality’s labour market is evolving—and poised for even more transformation ahead.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Report shows Prince Albert II Foundation led a powerful year of action for the planet in 2024

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/05/2025

In a year marked by environmental setbacks worldwide, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation stood firm in its mission to protect the planet, launching bold new initiatives, uniting global stakeholders, and expanding its influence across oceans, finance, education and innovation.

Released at the end of April, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s 2024 Annual Report offers a comprehensive look at an ambitious year of environmental leadership. With over €9.8 million invested in field projects across more than 90 countries, the Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding nature through innovation, cooperation and bold policy engagement.

See also: NatureMetrics becomes first private company to join €100 million ReOcean Fund portfolio

Blue economy gets a major boost

Among the year’s flagship developments was the continued rollout of the ReOcean Fund, a €100 million private equity vehicle designed to support scalable, ocean-positive solutions. Launched in partnership with Monaco Asset Management, the fund backs initiatives in marine ecosystem restoration, plastic pollution reduction, green shipping and blue food.

Further anchoring Monaco’s leadership in ocean finance, the Foundation unveiled the Blue Economy Index—a tool to guide environmentally responsible investment choices in key sectors like waste management, sustainable fisheries and water treatment.

Monaco Ocean Week puts action centre stage

The Foundation’s convening power was clearly visible during Monaco Ocean Week 2024, which featured over 50 events. From ocean governance and sustainable yachting to scientific panels and cultural programming, the event solidified the Principality’s global role as a driver of ocean conservation.

See also: Monaco to play key role in preparations for UN Ocean Conference in Nice

The 15th Monaco Blue Initiative addressed emerging priorities ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice. Other key events included the Ocean Innovators Platform and the announcement of the Beyond Plastic Med 2024 winners.

Educating future generations

2024 also saw significant progress in youth engagement and public awareness. The Re.Generation Future Leaders Program continued to train emerging voices in environmental leadership, while initiatives like Students on Ice, the urban school garden scheme, and Monaco’s participation in the international writing competition brought environmental education to classrooms and communities. The Foundation also expanded its cultural impact with the Green Shift Festival, the Environmental Photography Award and panel discussions on sustainable fashion and ecological storytelling.

High-level pledges and global influence

The Foundation’s diplomatic and philanthropic reach expanded further in 2024. Prince Albert II of Monaco personally announced a $60.8 million multi-donor pledge for Mediterranean marine conservation at the Our Ocean Conference in Athens. Monaco also became the first European and Mediterranean country to ratify the UN High Seas Treaty, reinforcing its position at the forefront of global ocean protection.

Looking ahead, the Foundation is co-organising the Blue Economy and Finance Forum as part of the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025.

A determined path forward

As global environmental challenges mount, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has made clear that retreat is not an option. Its 2024 annual report reflects a year of unwavering resolve, smart investment and inclusive engagement—laying strong foundations for continued leadership in 2025 and beyond.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Main photo: Prince Albert II at the Young Activists Summit. Photo source: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

From ZIA to Guerlain: Hôtel Metropole reopens with summer highlights

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/05/2025

One of Monaco’s most beloved institutions is stirring back to life. Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo has reopened its doors with renewed spirit and a season of exciting new experiences ahead. At the heart of this revival is ZIA, the chic poolside haven now welcoming the wider public for the first time, offering locals and visitors a fresh taste of la dolce vita in one of the Principality’s most iconic settings. With redesigned guest rooms and a tranquil new Guerlain spa set to be unveiled later this summer, the return of this landmark hotel promises a blend of elegance, flavour and discovery.

Set beneath the shimmering Odyssey mural by Karl Lagerfeld, ZIA reopens from 2nd May to 1st October 2025 with a vibrant new concept. Breakfast and lunch are now served not only to hotel guests but also to the public, transforming the terrace into a true Monegasque rendezvous. Mornings begin with pillowy pandoro French toast and delicate homemade pastries, while midday brings the likes of Sicilian branzino and truffle-studded tigelle.

From 28th May, the atmosphere will evolve into an open-air evening affair, with chef-led masterclasses, elegant dinners, and a lively aperitivo culture under the stars.

Odyssey by night, at the Hôtel Metropole

The reopening of ZIA is just one part of Hôtel Métropole’s much-anticipated transformation. Following years of carefully orchestrated updates, the hotel is returning with renewed grandeur. While the Belle Époque lobby remains gloriously intact, August will unveil 45 reimagined rooms across the second and third floors.

These have been designed by Jacques Garcia, whose distinctive style blends rich textures, natural light and timeless elegance—marking the most extensive refurbishment since the hotel’s 2004 relaunch.

A preview look of the new junior suite deluxe, which will be unviled in August

Throughout its renewal, Hôtel Métropole has retained its soul—and its stars. Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, which made its dazzling debut in 2024, has remarkably upheld its two Michelin stars even amid the hotel’s renovation works. Now open to the public, the restaurant invites discerning diners into a world where Mediterranean flavours are elevated to art.

Under the masterful direction of Cussac, with executive chef Sonny Dufour in the kitchen and Marco Tognon orchestrating the dining room, every dish is a study in balance, technique and seasonal precision. From the delicate amuse-bouche to the final flourish of its signature dessert trolley, Les Ambassadeurs redefines excellence, reaffirming its place at the very pinnacle of Monaco’s fine dining scene.

The elegant dining room of Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac. Photo credit: Studio Phenix

Alongside Les Ambassadeurs, the Lobby Bar and Yoshi have also reopened, once again welcoming the public to enjoy their distinctive atmospheres and culinary offerings.

These signature venues, each with its own character and loyal following, reinforce Hôtel Métropole’s position as a dynamic destination for both locals and international guests seeking refined hospitality at the heart of Monte-Carlo.

The new Spa Metropole by Guerlain will be unveiled in July

Looking ahead, the transformation continues. In July, the hotel will introduce the Spa Metropole by Guerlain. Designed by Samy Itani, the wellness space will fuse modern luxury with calm minimalism, offering signature Guerlain treatments, a Bastien Gonzalez mani-pedi studio, and full hammam, sauna and fitness facilities. It promises to be a serene, state-of-the-art escape within the heart of Monaco.

For a hotel that has spent the last few years reinventing itself behind the scenes, this season marks not just a reopening, but a true renaissance. Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo is back—open, elevated and more inviting than ever.

See also: 

Michelin Guide 2024: Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac earns two stars in its first year

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

All photos sourced from Hôtel Metropole