19 ° C
Profile

Month: July 2025

Monaco Art Week 2025: A cultural journey through the Principality

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
09/07/2025

Under the High Patronage of Prince Abert II, Monaco Art Week has returned for its seventh edition, running from 7th to 12th July. This year’s event holds additional significance as it welcomes Princess Alexandra of Hanover as patron.

From Old Masters to contemporary works, and from fine jewellery to monumental sculptures, the week-long celebration brings together galleries and auction houses in a cultural dialogue that spans centuries and disciplines.

A tour through Monaco’s artistic heart

The journey begins at the harbour, where the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo launches its summer sales featuring prestigious brands alongside works by renowned artists including Renoir, Alechinsky, and Folon. The auction house presents a remarkable selection spanning luxury handbags, collectible watches, and modern art across five sessions (July 5-9, 2025).

Moving on to the Monte-Carlo district, COLLECT|MC dedicates a solo exhibition to Suska Bastian, a Villa Arson graduate based in Nice. Her exhibition ‘Of Feelers and Furies’ explores the boundaries between nature and culture, encouraging viewers to reconsider humanity’s relationship with the environment (July 4 – October 12, 2025).

At the Palais de Scala, Elisabeth Lillo-Renner presents ‘Corpus homini,’ an intriguing exploration of the male body through drawings by Yannick Cosso, photographs by Joël Alain Dervaux, and specially created men’s jewellery by Martin Spreng. (June 27 – July 12, 2025).

Just steps away, M.F. Toninelli Art Moderne showcases ‘Entre Figuration et Abstraction,’ bringing together works from the 1950s and 60s by Winfred Gaul, Larry Rivers, and Jacques Monory. This joint reflection examines tensions between abstraction, figuration, and narration in a rapidly changing world (July 7-26, 2025).

On Avenue de l’Hermitage, Galerie Adriano Ribolzi features ‘Origins’ by Swiss artist Simon Berger, whose revolutionary approach to glass sculpture creates hyper-realistic portraits through controlled destruction. Using hammer blows on glass panes, Berger creates photorealistic ‘paintings’ that emerge from orchestrated cracks (July 1-30, 2025).

Further along, Opera Gallery presents ‘The Monaco Masters Show: Chagall & Léger, la couleur et la forme,’ marking the 40th anniversary of Chagall’s death and 70th anniversary of Léger’s death. This major exhibition explores their distinctive approaches to modernism through colour, alongside masterpieces by Basquiat, Botero, Kusama, Lichtenstein, and other 20th and 21st-century masters (July 4 – August 31, 2025).

Artwork exhibited in Opera Gallery, photo by Monaco Life.

HOFA takes over the YellowKorner space with works by British sculptor Bran Symondson, a former Special Forces soldier who transforms instruments of war into powerful artistic symbols. His exhibition ‘The Art to Disarm’ examines the tensions between beauty, conflict, and capitalism (July 7 – September 30, 2025).

Contemporary Visions

On Avenue de la Costa, Almine Rech presents a group exhibition exploring landscape through the distinctive works of international artists including Joël Andrianomearisoa, Alejandro Cardenas, and Petra Cortright (June 5 – September 19, 2025).

At the Park Palace, Moretti Fine Art celebrates Italian painting with a refined selection spanning Renaissance to Baroque periods (July 7-12, 2025), while Sotheby’s unveils previews of major pieces from a prestigious Monegasque collection in ‘The Manny Davidson Collection: A Life in Treasures and Benevolence’ (July 2-15, 2025).

In the gardens of the Société des Bains de Mer, Artcurial displays monumental sculptures for the ‘Monaco Sculptures’ sale, featuring works by Claude Lalanne, César, Baltasar Lobo, Tony Cragg, and Philippe Hiquily (July 6-9, 2025).

At One Monte-Carlo, Hauser & Wirth presents ‘Stream of Consciousness,’ featuring works by distinguished American photographer Annie Leibovitz spanning landscapes, still lifes, and portraits created over the past two decades. (July 2 – September 27, 2025).

Photograph of Lauren Sánchez Bezos and Elon Musk taken by Annie Leibovitz, photo by Monaco Life

Teos Gallery Monte-Carlo spotlights Street Art on the second floor of the Metropole Shopping Center with ‘Street Mood,’ celebrating  contemporary urban art through works by Mr Brainwash, Cedric Bouteiller, Marco Grassi, Christophe Biancheri, Alec Monopoly, Arpe One, and Cipre (June 30 – August 31, 2025).

Finally, at Larvotto, Kamil Art Gallery pays tribute to Vincent van Gogh through ‘For Vincent: Timeless Connections’ by Eric Massholder. Curated by art historian Fanny Curtat, this Franco-German artist’s work goes beyond realism, using opulent colours and intense drawing to show an intimate relationship between two artists separated by more than a century (July 7 – September 15, 2025).

Christie’s celebrates its 40th anniversary in Monaco this year, with Managing Director Nancy Dotta developing a strong presence in the Principality for sourcing remarkable works and private collections, including recent successes such as René Magritte’s work from a prestigious Monaco collection.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video reel below…

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo of Artcurial’s monumental sculpture by Monaco Life.

Monaco Economic Board leads mission to Expo 2025 Osaka and Tokyo

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/07/2025

From 26th June to 3rd July, the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) spearheaded a high-profile economic mission to Japan, aligning with the Principality’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka. Supported by 32 Monegasque business leaders, the delegation sought to forge deeper economic ties with Japan’s dynamic market.

On 28th June, following Prince Albert II and several dignitaries, the delegation celebrated Monaco National Day in a pavilion brimming with Monegasque charm. Highlights included a charity football match between Barbagiuans legends and the Japan All Stars, a Ballets de Monte‑Carlo performance, and a concert by the Prince’s Carabiniers Orchestra. These events were designed to emphasise Monaco’s cultural prowess on an international stage .

Mireille Martini’s team ensured the Monaco Pavilion became a vibrant hub for meetings and networking. Delegates also engaged with other national pavilions, generating discussions on sustainability, innovation, and bilateral business opportunities.

Economic forum: strengthening Franco‑Japanese business links

A standout moment was the economic forum and networking session organised alongside CCI France Japon du Kansai. Monegasque leaders forged meaningful connections with key Japanese stakeholders, fostering potential collaboration in sectors such as finance, tech, and green energy.

Kyoto interlude and Tokyo innovation

After a cultural stopover in Kyoto on Sunday, the delegation moved on to Tokyo. Accompanied by Sandrine Sauval, Director of MonacoTech, they visited innovation centres including Tokyo Innovation Base and Plug and Play Japan, reflecting MEB’s emphasis on fostering tech partnerships.

In Tokyo, a formal economic event with CCI France Japon offered insights into navigating the Japanese market. The ceremony featured a memorandum of understanding signed by Guillaume Rose, CEO of the MEB, and Nicolas Bonnardel, Director General of CCI France Japon, with Stéphan Bruno, Director of Economic Development, present.

Monaco Soirée: sealing strategic connections

The mission concluded with a distinguished ‘Monaco Soirée’ at Hotel Okura Tokyo, hosted by the Embassy of Monaco, the MEB, and the Directorate of Tourism and Congresses. Around 100 prominent guests attended, including Isabelle Berro‑Amadeï, Interim Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; Jérôme Chouchan, President of CCI France Japon; and Ken Kobayashi, Honorary Consul of Monaco, alongside key Japanese business figures.

Paving the way for future economic partnerships

Through its visits, forums, and cultural diplomacy, the mission enabled Monegasque companies to engage with the Japanese economic ecosystem. MEB regards the initiative as the beginning of a new era of strategic partnerships between Monaco and Japan.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Main photo source: MEB

Wildfire edges closer to Marseille, prompting airport closure

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/07/2025

A rapidly spreading wildfire reached the outskirts of Marseille on Tuesday 8th July, forcing Marseille Provence airport—France’s fourth‑busiest—to close and residents to shelter indoors. Fanned by fierce winds, the blaze swiftly consumed around 350 hectares, with thick smoke and ash enveloping the city’s suburbs.

The fires, driven by winds gusting up to 70 km/h, began in Les Pennes‑Mirabeau to the north and advanced into Marseille’s 16th borough, prompting urban smoke alerts. Residents were urged to close shutters and doors, and to remain indoors unless formally instructed otherwise, to keep roads clear for emergency services. Efforts by 168 firefighters, supported by fire engines, helicopters and aerial water bombers, aim to contain the flames. Smoke was reported miles away: “The sky is grey with ash, and the smell of fire is very strong in the centre of Marseille,” said one local bank worker to AFP.

Mayor Benoit Payan posted on X: “The fire that started in Pennes‑Mirabeau is now at the gates of Marseille,” while the regional prefecture advised, “At this stage, populations must remain confined … keep your property clear for emergency services”.

Airport shutdown and disrupted transport

Marseille Provence airport halted all take‑offs and landings from around midday, with incoming flights rerouted to Nice, Nîmes and other regional airports. SNCF suspended train services north and west of Marseille after flames endangered nearby tracks.

Regional wildfire context

This intense blaze adds to a string of wildfires across southern Europe, fuelled by early‑season heat and dry conditions. Greece and Spain are similarly grappling with forest fires, and southern France—including the wider Provence region—was placed under red alert by Météo‑France in several départements, including Bouches‑du‑Rhône. Just days prior, a blaze in Hérault burned some 400 ha before being brought under control.

Climate‑driven threats escalate

Experts warn that such events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. The wider 2025 Mediterranean fire season has already caused fatalities, destroyed thousands of hectares and prompted the evacuation of more than 57,000 people across Europe. In France alone, nine people have been injured in wildfire‑related incidents so far, and national transport and aviation infrastructure have been disrupted.

What to watch next

Containment efforts remain underway in Marseille while weather conditions could shift quickly. Authorities continue to warn locals to comply with safety advice and stay prepared for possible evacuation orders. Given the wider regional fire activity, a prolonged “fire siege” scenario is unfolding as southern Europe endures a fierce and early heatwave.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok

 

Photo source: Bataillon de Marins Pompiers de Marseille Facebook 

Prince Albert joins experts at Monaco Sea Academy for high-level talks on whale conservation

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/07/2025

The second edition of Monaco’s Académie de la Mer opened this week with a dedicated session on the state of the world’s whale populations, drawing attention to the growing scientific and legal challenges facing cetacean conservation.

On the morning of 8th July, H.S.H. Prince Albert II attended a session of the Académie de la Mer de Monaco (A2M) dedicated to whales, signalling the Principality’s continuing engagement in global marine protection efforts. The session marked the beginning of a series of thematic discussions organised under the academy’s programme, which convenes leading international experts from science, law and environmental policy.

Canadian marine ecologist Lyne Morissette, a professor at the Institut des Sciences de la Mer at the University of Quebec, opened the morning with an overview of the global status of whale populations. Her address highlighted the pressures faced by whales due to climate change, shipping traffic, entanglement and noise pollution, while also identifying pathways for recovery through coordinated conservation policy.

A multidisciplinary approach to marine challenges

This year’s edition of the Académie de la Mer is continuing its mission to foster scientific dialogue and actionable strategies to protect marine ecosystems. The whale session set the tone for a week of in-depth discussions that bring together scientists, legal scholars and environmental advocates to address pressing ocean-related challenges.

Through the lens of whale conservation, the session tackled broader themes such as the role of international law in regulating maritime activity, the use of technology in marine monitoring, and the ethics of human interaction with marine megafauna.

Monaco at the forefront of ocean protection

Organised under the auspices of the Oceanographic Institute and in line with the environmental vision of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Académie de la Mer serves as a platform for high-level exchange on the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communications Department 

EU proposes 90% emissions cut by 2040 under revised Climate Law

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/07/2025

The European Commission has proposed a major revision to its EU Climate Law, introducing a new 2040 target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels. The move aims to provide clarity for investors, bolster EU industrial competitiveness, and strengthen energy security across the bloc.

Announced on 2nd July, the new legislative proposal is described by the Commission as a pragmatic yet ambitious step forward on the path to the EU’s legally binding goal of climate neutrality by 2050. The EU is already on track to achieve its 2030 interim target of a 55% reduction in emissions. The 2040 milestone is designed to help maintain momentum while adapting to ongoing economic, security and geopolitical challenges.

According to a recent survey, public support for climate action remains high: 85% of Europeans believe climate change is a serious issue, and 81% back the EU’s 2050 net-zero target. The revised climate law intends to reflect this mandate by promoting stronger enabling conditions for the transition—such as investment in innovation, clean industrial transformation, and energy affordability.

Climate and competitiveness go hand in hand

The proposed 2040 target is closely aligned with broader EU strategies including the Clean Industrial Deal, the Affordable Energy Action Plan, and the EU Competitiveness Compass. The Commission also released a Communication detailing the first wave of actions under the Clean Industrial Deal, intended to help industries decarbonise while remaining globally competitive.

The revised law incorporates findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and guidance from the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change. It underlines the importance of science-based policymaking as the EU seeks to lead by example on climate leadership.

Legislative next steps

The Commission’s proposal will now move to the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure. If adopted, the 2040 target will not only shape the EU’s future environmental legislation but also provide a benchmark for the post-2030 policy framework.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Markus Spiske, Unsplash

Monaco strengthens private sector role in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism efforts

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/07/2025

Authorities in Monaco have stepped up their campaign against financial crime with a major information session aimed at boosting private sector compliance with international anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) standards.

Held on 26th June, the session brought together more than 500 industry professionals at the Grimaldi Forum. Organised by the Permanent Secretariat of the AML/CFT Coordination Committee, the event included presentations from the Monegasque Financial Security Authority (AMSF) and the Public Security Department.

The briefing focused on Monaco’s national coordination efforts in light of the Principality’s placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in June 2024. Officials provided updates on discussions with FATF and MONEYVAL, the Council of Europe’s monitoring body, and reiterated Monaco’s commitment to meeting the highest international standards.

Focus on compliance tools and reporting

The AMSF presented its latest priorities and practical guides, including a newly released sector risk analysis linked to cross-border tax fraud. Authorities also reviewed the GoAML reporting system, urging obligated entities to register and improve the accuracy and timeliness of suspicious activity reports.

Law enforcement outlines laundering typologies

Monaco’s Public Security Department detailed various laundering techniques encountered by law enforcement, underlining the evolving risks and the importance of vigilance. These real-world examples aimed to enhance detection and reporting by the private sector.

Public-private cooperation a cornerstone

Officials described the event as a vital step in reinforcing cooperation between regulators, law enforcement, and the private sector. They highlighted the need for continued dialogue to ensure Monaco’s financial framework complies with international norms and exits the grey list promptly.

Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communications Department