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Month: June 2025

Young creatives to compete in 5th edition of Monaco’s Street Art Challenge Junior

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/06/2025

This June, Monaco’s vibrant urban art scene will once again come to life as the Street Art Challenge Junior returns for its fifth edition, bringing colour and creativity to the Promenade du Larvotto on the 14th and 15th June.

Organised by the Mairie de Monaco in collaboration with WSM Events and as part of the larger UPAINT festival, the competition is open to students from 4ème to Terminale who are enrolled in schools across the Principality. With a strong focus on encouraging youth expression through contemporary art forms, this year’s edition will follow the theme ‘UPAINT The Ocean’.

Two teams, each comprising up to four young artists, will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Each team will be provided with a dedicated 1m x 1m wall and canvas, along with all necessary materials courtesy of UPAINT. Over the course of the weekend, they will be tasked with creating original murals inspired by the oceanic theme.

The works will be judged by a panel that includes celebrated street artists affiliated with UPAINT. This professional evaluation, alongside the high-profile public setting, offers participants a rare opportunity to gain exposure and experience in the urban art world. The award ceremony is set to take place on Monday 16th June at 6pm, with all participating artists expected to attend.

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Photo credit: Mairie de Monaco

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene unveil two new portraits in Monaco’s Salle des Mariages

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/06/2025

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene have unveiled two significant portraits—one of Princess Grace and one of Princess Charlène herself—at the heart of Monaco’s historic Salle des Mariages, enriching the symbolic space with a feminine presence.

In the presence of Monaco’s Mayor Georges Marsan and several members of the Communal Council, the princely couple revealed the portraits in special ceremony on 2nd June. The new additions join the existing gallery of sovereign portraits that line the room, featuring Prince Charles III, Prince Albert I, Prince Louis II, Prince Rainier III, and Prince Albert II. The latest additions bring balance to the collection and honour the principality’s iconic women.

“It is both an honour and a joy of my role, and that of my fellow councillors, to witness marriages in such a magnificent setting,” said Mayor Georges Marsan. “I am convinced that the presence of these beautiful portraits will add to the emotion and happiness that so often fills this historic room.”

The portrait of Princess Charlene, painted in 2013 by South African artist Stéphanie Van Zyl, is a delicate gouache on white paper and was personally presented by the artist during the event. The portrait of Princess Grace is an oil on canvas by Paul Werner Sochtig. Both works are currently on loan from the Palais Princier.

Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Mayor Georges Marsan underneath a portrait of Princess Grace. Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

Symbolism guided the placement of the two portraits. Princess Charlene’s likeness faces that of her husband, while Princess Grace’s is positioned opposite Prince Rainier III—bringing together two princely couples in a space devoted to love and union. The Salle des Mariages, the only room in the Mairie to retain its original decor from 1902, remains a jewel of classical and Renaissance architectural styles, with ornate woodwork, gilded accents, and a grand coffered ceiling.

With nearly 200 weddings celebrated here each year, the Salle des Mariages remains a cherished venue. Visitors will have the opportunity to view these newly installed portraits during the European Heritage Day on Sunday 5th October.

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: Mairie de Monaco

Médiathèque de Monaco donates furniture to local associations ahead of Ilot Pasteur move

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/06/2025

In an eco-conscious gesture aligned with World Environment Day, the Médiathèque de Monaco will donate a selection of its furniture to Monaco-based associations before its upcoming relocation to the Ilot Pasteur site. 

As part of its transition to the new Ilot Pasteur premises, the Médiathèque de Monaco is offering an exclusive opportunity for Monegasque associations to acquire furniture no longer needed by the institution. This special donation campaign, taking place from 2nd to 13th June, features a wide array of furnishings, all listed with descriptions, dimensions and photographs on the Monaco Town Hall’s website.

Associations wishing to reserve furniture must contact the Médiathèque during the stated period either by phone at +377 93 15 29 40 or by email at mediatheque@mairie.mc. Collection of the reserved items will begin from late September to mid-October 2025, and associations will be responsible for organising transport.

The sustainability-focused initiative is part of the commitment of the Commune to the principles of circular economy.

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Photo source: Mediateque de Monaco

St. Elena’s Orthodox Church to celebrate eighth anniversary with divine liturgy and luncheon

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
03/06/2025

The Orthodox community of Monaco is preparing to mark a special milestone this June with the eighth anniversary celebration of St. Elena’s Parish Orthodox Church of Monaco.

On Saturday 7th June, the Parish Council of St. Elena will host its annual celebration beginning with a Divine Liturgy at 10am at St. Paul’s Church, located on Avenue de Grande-Bretagne. The liturgy will welcome clergy from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), Romanian Orthodox Church (RomOC), and Serbian Orthodox Church (SOC), highlighting the spirit of the occasion.

Following the religious service, guests will be invited to gather for a festive cocktail and luncheon at the elegant Pulcinella restaurant on Rue du Portier. This convivial moment promises to bring together parishioners and friends in a setting of warmth, faith, and community.

Seats for the luncheon are available by donation, starting from €100 for adults and €50 for children. Attendees are asked to make reservations in advance via bank transfer to the Eglise Orthodoxe de Monaco.

The event is organised with the fraternal support of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Monte-Carlo, underscoring the close ties between Monaco’s religious communities.

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Espresso Riviera train to connect Rome and the French Riviera via Monaco this summer

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
02/06/2025

The overnight train service linking Rome with the French Riviera is set to return this summer, this time with a stopover in Monaco, offering travellers a nostalgic journey along one of Europe’s most stunning coastal routes—and fulfilling promises made a year ago when the same service faced last-minute operational challenges. 

The Espresso Riviera, operated by FS Treni Turistici Italiani—a subsidiary of Italy’s national railway Trenitalia—will run every weekend from 4 July through 30 August, threading its way between the Italian capital and Marseille via the Principality of Monaco.

The launch comes after a troubled attempt in 2024, when Trenitalia’s original Espresso Riviera service between Nice and Milan was forced to bypass Monaco entirely just days before its scheduled debut. The planned stop at Monaco’s underground Gare de Monaco Monte-Carlo was cancelled at the last minute due to safety concerns over diesel emissions and inadequate ventilation systems for the diesel-powered trains.

Despite the setback, the shortened Nice-Milan service that did operate during August 2024 generated enough interest to encourage this year’s significantly expanded route, which now extends all the way from Rome to Marseille.

The vintage-style sleeper train departs Rome Termini each Friday evening at 19:57 (21:45 on the inaugural 4th July service), arriving in Marseille the following afternoon at 13:57. The return journey leaves Marseille at 14:46 on Saturdays, reaching Rome by Sunday morning at 06:48.

The route showcases some of Europe’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, making stops at Genoa, Savona, Alassio, Imperia, and Sanremo on the Italian Riviera before continuing to Ventimiglia, Menton, Monaco-Monte Carlo, Nice, Cannes, Saint-Raphaël, and Toulon along the French Côte d’Azur.

From Rome to Genoa, passengers travel overnight in sleeping compartments, waking to stunning Mediterranean views. From Genova onwards, the service operates as a day train, allowing travellers to fully appreciate the coastline as it unfolds through large panoramic windows.

Accommodation and onboard experience

The service offers several accommodation options tailored to different travel preferences. For the overnight portion from Rome, passengers can choose between private sleeping compartments for one or two people, or four-berth couchettes that can be booked for exclusive use by families or small groups.

For the scenic daytime section along the coast, the train features private living room lounges available for exclusive usage, first-class seating with panoramic views, and comfortable second-class accommodation.

The onboard experience includes a restaurant serving hot and cold dishes throughout the journey, with meals ranging from breakfast to dinner featuring both Italian and French regional specialities. Additionally, a dedicated bar offers drinks and snacks, perfect for enjoying an aperitivo while watching the Mediterranean coastline pass by.

The service fills a significant gap left when night train services along the Mediterranean coast were discontinued in previous years. FS Treni Turistici specialises in historic and tourist train services, bringing back the romance of rail travel along one of Europe’s most travelled routes.

Prices start from €54.90, with a 25% discount available through the operator’s ‘TTI Special 25’ promotion, though places are limited and booking early is recommended. 

Bookings opened on 24th May exclusively through the FS Treni Turistici website, by email at info@fstrenituristici.it, or by telephone on +39 337 1481776 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm).

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 source: Treni Turistici Italiani

 

Prime commercial space opens up in Monaco’s Jardin Exotique

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/06/2025

Monaco’s State Property Administration is inviting entrepreneurs and restaurateurs to apply for a rare leasing opportunity in one of the Principality’s most distinctive neighbourhoods.

A unique commercial opportunity has emerged in the heart of Monaco’s Jardin Exotique district, as the State Property Administration opens applications for the lease of a large, versatile space in a prime location. Spanning 584 square metres and delivered in raw condition, the premises are located on the first floor of 97-98, Boulevard du Jardin Exotique—offering a blank canvas for a new business venture.

Designed exclusively for commercial or service-based activities, including hospitality and dining, the space is not open to office or industrial use, making it ideal for boutique retailers, cafés, or service providers looking to bring something new to one of Monaco’s most scenic quarters.

Entrepreneurs interested in shaping this space into their next venture can download the application dossier from the official Government of Monaco portal (http://monentreprise.gouv.mc/actualites), or collect it in person from the State Property Administration, located on the 5th floor of 5, Promenade Honoré II (Hall A), open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 5:00pm.

To help prospective tenants visualise the potential of the site, guided visits are being offered on Wednesday 25th June from 2:30pm to 4:00pm and Thursday 3rd July from 10:00am to 11:30am.

Applications must be submitted to the State Property Administration by Friday 25th July 2025 at 12:00 noon sharp. Late submissions will not be considered, making punctuality essential for those hoping to secure this rare opportunity.

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 of Jardin Exotique, credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, Flickr