The Museum of Stamps and Coins is marking the 70th anniversary of the wedding of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly with a new exhibition exploring how one of Monaco’s defining moments was immortalised through philately and numismatics.
Running from 13th July to 15th October 2026, the exhibition, Marriage of the Century in Philately and Numismatics, brings together an exceptional collection of commemorative medals, postage stamps, first-day covers, souvenir cards, philatelic documents and historic artefacts celebrating the royal wedding that captivated the world in 1956.
The marriage of Prince Rainier III to the Hollywood actress attracted unprecedented international attention, with millions following the ceremony around the globe. Widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the Principality’s modern history, the event significantly enhanced Monaco’s international profile and inspired a wealth of commemorative memorabilia that remains highly prized by collectors today.
Through its carefully curated displays, the exhibition illustrates how this landmark occasion was documented, celebrated and preserved for future generations, offering visitors a unique perspective on the role that stamps and coins play in recording history.
The exhibition also builds on the museum’s broader exploration of Monaco’s postal and monetary heritage, following the section dedicated to the Belle Époque of philately currently presented at the Prince’s Palace.
More than simply collectors’ items, the objects on display demonstrate how philately and numismatics serve as important vehicles for preserving cultural heritage and passing history from one generation to the next.
The exhibition is open from 13th July to 15th October 2026 at the Museum of Stamps and Coins in Monaco.
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In photos: Records tumble during spectacular Herculis Monaco
Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi broke the men’s 1000m world record as eight meeting records and two Diamond League records fell during an exceptional edition of the Herculis EBS Monaco at Stade Louis II on Friday 10th July.
The Olympic and world 800m champion completed the rarely contested distance in 2:11.83, eclipsing the 2:11.96 record set by fellow Kenyan Noah Ngeny in 1999.
Wanyonyi remained close to the required pace after the final pacemaker withdrew shortly before 800m, before pulling away from Britain’s Jake Wightman in the closing stages to secure his first world record.
Wightman finished second in a lifetime best of 2:12.77, moving to fifth on the world all-time list, while Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati placed third in 2:13.94. All eight finishers recorded personal bests, with Ko Ochiai setting a Japanese record of 2:15.24 in seventh.
Photo credit: Enrico Bottero for Monaco Life
Duplantis sets new Monaco meeting record
Armand Duplantis marked his first Herculis appearance as a Monaco resident by clearing 6.07m in the men’s pole vault, adding two centimetres to the meeting record he established in 2025.
The Olympic champion cleared the winning height on his first attempt before making three unsuccessful attempts at 6.15m.
France’s Baptiste Thiery finished second on countback ahead of Australia’s Kurtis Marschall, with both athletes clearing 5.85m.
In the women’s competition, Olympic champion Nina Kennedy produced an Oceanian record of 4.95m. The Australian cleared the height on her first attempt, improving her previous personal and national record of 4.91m and surpassing the 4.94m Oceanian record held by New Zealand’s Eliza McCartney since 2018.
Photo credit: Enrico Bottero for Monaco Life
Julien Alfred climbs to third on all-time 200m list
Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred delivered another of the evening’s standout performances, winning the women’s 200m in a world-leading 21.51.
The Saint Lucian’s time moved her to third on the world all-time list, behind only Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 21.34 and Shericka Jackson’s 21.41.
Alfred also broke Merlene Ottey’s Herculis meeting record of 21.77, which had stood since 1993, and finished just 0.03 seconds outside Jackson’s Diamond League record.
Adaejah Hodge placed second in 21.76, while reigning Olympic champion Gabby Thomas recorded 21.84 — the fastest third-place time in the history of the women’s 200m.
Photo credit: Enrico Bottero for Monaco Life
Kebinatshipi breaks second Diamond League record in a week
Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi continued his strong season by winning the men’s 400m in 43.44, breaking the Diamond League record for the second time in less than a week.
The 2025 world champion had run 43.54 in Eugene on 4th July. His Monaco performance improved his national record and moved him to equal sixth on the world all-time list.
Kebinatshipi also erased Wayde van Niekerk’s Herculis record of 43.73, although he remained narrowly outside Samuel Ogazi’s world-leading time of 43.38.
Jacory Patterson finished second in 43.96, with Olympic 400m hurdles champion Rai Benjamin third in 44.13.
Photo credit: Enrico Bottero for Monaco Life
Paulino and Russell rewrite Stade Louis II records
Marileidy Paulino broke the women’s 400m meeting record with a winning time of 48.67. The Olympic champion overtook American Aaliyah Butler in the final 30 metres to improve the previous Herculis record of 48.97 held by Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
Butler also broke 49 seconds for the first time, finishing in 48.84 and moving to fourth on the United States all-time list.
In the women’s 100m hurdles, Olympic champion Masai Russell recorded another meeting record with a time of 12.20. She led an American one-two ahead of Alaysha Johnson, who finished in 12.38, while the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser placed third in 12.49.
Russell now holds four of the seven fastest performances in the history of the event.
Photo credit: Enrico Bottero for Monaco Life
Ngetich narrowly misses longstanding 3000m world record
Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich came within three seconds of breaking one of athletics’ longest-standing world records in the women’s 3000m.
Ngetich remained ahead of world-record pace through 2000m before losing ground over the closing 600 metres. She won in 8:08.95, the third-fastest time in history, but fell just short of Wang Junxia’s 8:06.11 mark from 1993.
Her performance nevertheless comfortably broke Gabriela Szabo’s Herculis record of 8:21.42, which had stood since 2002.
Ethiopia’s Alesighn Baweke finished second in 8:23.81, followed by compatriot Senayet Getachew in 8:24.02. Faith Kipyegon placed fourth in 8:24.21 on her return from a hamstring injury.
Olympic triathlon champion Cassandre Beaugrand finished eighth in a French record of 8:32.86, breaking a national mark that had stood since 2005.
Photo credit: Enrico Bottero for Monaco Life
Tentoglou and Perez Hernandez pass major milestones
Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou produced the second-longest jump of his career to win the men’s long jump with 8.61m.
The Greek athlete surpassed Ivan Pedroso’s 1995 Herculis record of 8.58m and finished ahead of Jamaica’s Wayne Pinnock, who recorded a season’s best of 8.39m. Cuban teenager Jorge Hodelin placed third with 8.38m.
World champion Leyanis Perez Hernandez also passed a significant milestone in the women’s triple jump, joining the 15-metre club with a personal best of 15.06m in the sixth round.
The Cuban overtook Senegal’s Saly Sarr, who produced a lifetime best of 14.99m, one centimetre short of her country’s national record. Olympic champion Thea Lafond finished third with 14.79m.
Photo credit: Enrico Bottero for Monaco Life
Seville closes record-breaking Herculis programme
World champion Oblique Seville brought the meeting to a close with victory in the men’s 100m. The Jamaican won in 9.88 ahead of American Jordan Anthony in 9.92 and Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme in 10.00.
Elsewhere, China’s Yan Ziyi extended her unbeaten javelin season with a winning throw of 68.75m, while Ukraine’s Oleh Doroshchuk cleared 2.32m to win the men’s high jump.
Dominic Lobalu claimed his first Diamond League 5000m victory in 12:52.54, edging American Graham Blanks by 0.06 seconds, while Kenya’s Simon Koech won the 3000m steeplechase in 8:03.35.
With the summer holiday season well underway, Monaco has issued guidance to ensure travellers from the Principality remain safe and well-prepared when visiting foreign destinations.
Monaco’s Department of External Relations and Cooperation (DREC) advises travellers to – firstly – verify all entry and residency requirements well in advance, as regulations vary by country. Essential checks include confirming passport validity, which should extend at least six months beyond the planned return date, as well as determining whether a visa or electronic travel authorisation is required.
Individuals should also review specific health and customs regulations applicable to their journey. The DREC encourages travellers to consult the official websites of the embassy or relevant authorities of their destination country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Security and registration
Monaco nationals are strongly advised to register with the Fil d’Ariane service before departing. This free online platform allows citizens to receive real-time security alerts and critical information regarding major events, such as natural disasters, political instability, or significant disruptions in the countries they are visiting.
Emergency assistance protocols
In the event of a serious situation requiring assistance, Monaco nationals should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Monaco. If the Principality does not maintain a diplomatic mission in the country, Article 5 of the 2002 Treaty between France and Monaco permits nationals to seek assistance from a French diplomatic or consular post. Travellers are also advised to notify the Directorate of Diplomatic and Consular Relations (DRDC) via email at drdc-assistance@gouv.mc.
Residents holding non-Monégasque nationality should contact the embassy or consulate of their home country. Travellers are encouraged to carry the contact details of their respective diplomatic authorities and to keep digital or physical copies of essential identity documents and travel records.
Recommended safety measures
To ensure a secure trip, the DREC recommends confirming the adequacy of travel insurance, specifically regarding repatriation coverage. It is also advised to keep the contact details of an emergency contact on one’s person, maintain digital copies of important documents like passports and tickets, and research the local security situation of the destination.
While these measures assist in ensuring a secure experience, the Department emphasises that the final decision to travel remains the individual responsibility of each traveller.
The Monaco Yacht Club is taking the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge global with the launch of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge World Series, an international qualifying circuit designed to meet growing demand while preserving the event’s reputation as a showcase for the world’s most advanced sustainable marine technologies.
The new format will debut in 2027, following this year’s 13th edition, which attracted 54 university teams from 21 countries. Teams competing in the Challenge’s Energy Class, introduced in 2018, will qualify for the Monaco final through regional events.
“The Challenge attracts the best maritime engineering talent from all over the world,” said Bernard d’Alessandri, Director and General Secretary of Yacht Club de Monaco. “To develop it further has led us to take this next step. It will allow us to welcome new teams while upholding the high sporting and technological standards that define this event.”
Darwin named first international qualifier
The first World Series event will be held in Darwin, Australia, which will host the Asia-Pacific Qualifier from 2027. The event will provide university teams from across the region with a pathway to Monaco while bringing together researchers, industry leaders and institutions focused on sustainable maritime innovation.
“It’s a real privilege to be selected to host the World Series Asia-Pacific qualifiers; for Darwin, this is a major milestone that puts us on the same level as Monaco,” said Michael Canaris, Director of Big Blue Ventures APAC and the Australian event coordinator. “Our priority now is to attract university teams from Australia and the wider region.”
Monaco remains the final destination
Rather than creating a series of standalone competitions, the World Series will serve as a qualification pathway to the Monaco final, which remains the flagship event under the Principality’s Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachtinginitiative.
Since its launch in 2014, the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has grown into a leading platform for sustainable maritime innovation, bringing together students, researchers, shipyards and industry to develop the next generation of clean marine propulsion. Additional continental qualifying events are already under consideration as Yacht Club de Monaco works towards creating a global network dedicated to advancing sustainable yachting.
The Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, home to the world’s largest hotel wine cellar, has been recognised with Wine Spectator’s 2026 Best of Award of Excellence, reinforcing Monaco’s reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for fine wine and gastronomy.
Awarded by the influential American publication Wine Spectator, the distinction recognises restaurants and wine programmes that demonstrate exceptional depth, quality and diversity in their wine selections.
For the Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the award acknowledges a collection that spans more than 300,000 bottles and 11,000 wine references, with particular recognition given to its extensive holdings of Burgundy, Champagne and Bordeaux.
Carved into the rock 12 metres beneath Monaco in 1874 at the initiative of Marie Blanc, the 1,500-square-metre cellar has been at the heart of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s culinary identity for more than 150 years. Following an extensive renovation completed in 2025, the historic cellars continue to supply the resort’s 30 restaurants and bars, while also welcoming guests for private tours, exclusive tastings and exceptional dining experiences.
The venue has also expanded its offering through the recently established Cercle des Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, an invitation-only club that gives wine collectors and enthusiasts access to intimate evenings centred on rare bottles and prestigious vintages.
The latest accolade further strengthens Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s standing in the international wine world and adds to a growing list of honours from Wine Spectator.
Last year, Le Grill, the Michelin-starred restaurant at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, received the publication’s Best of Award of Excellence for its wine programme. Meanwhile, Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse has held Wine Spectator’s highest distinction, the Grand Award, since 1995, making it the only restaurant within the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer group to receive the publication’s top honour.
For the thousands of residents, commuters, and tourists who navigate the Principality daily, the Monapass app has long been the go-to tool for managing everything from bus routes to event tickets. Now, a new update promises to make that experience even smoother.
The Direction des Services Numériques (DSN) has officially integrated Apple Pay and Google Pay into the platform, a move designed to eliminate the friction of manual payment entry. For the regular user, this means that paying for a bus ride, booking a bike, or securing a pass for a weekend event at the Grimaldi Forum can now be finalised in seconds using familiar device authentication.
A growing digital hub
Since its launch in 2021, Monapass has evolved from a niche mobility tool into a central pillar of digital life in Monaco. The app’s footprint has grown significantly, now supporting approximately 2,700 ticket activations every day and serving over 1,450 unique daily users.
Over the past five years, the platform has consistently expanded its feature set to keep pace with the needs of the Principality. Beyond simple ticketing, users now rely on the app for real-time transport data, push notifications regarding city services, and access to Monaco’s busy calendar of sporting and cultural events.
Getting started
The integration is live, and for those who may need assistance navigating the new payment options, support is available. Advisors are currently stationed at the Monaco Telecom boutique in Fontvieille to assist users in person without the need for an appointment.
For more information, residents and visitors can visit monapass.mc or contact the support team directly at +377 98 98 80 0.
