The Club Suisse de Monaco is this year celebrating its 75th anniversary, a milestone that highlights decades of Swiss contributions to the Principality’s growth, from engineering marvels to cultural and economic ties that continue to shape Monaco’s future.
This year marks a monumental milestone for the Club Suisse de Monaco. Since its founding in 1949, the club has served as a key link between Switzerland and Monaco, strengthening the ties between the two nations through cultural exchanges, social events and international collaboration. Today, under the leadership of President Dr. Arik Röschke, the club has evolved into a vibrant community of over 300 members, serving as a platform for bringing together Swiss nationals and their Monegasque counterparts.
“When I became president in 2020, the club had only 54 members, and the average age was high,” shares Dr. Röschke. “The best way to rejuvenate the club was through engaging events, with interesting speakers like politicians and experts, while always maintaining a strong link with Switzerland—its neutrality, business orientation and values.”
His efforts have transformed the club into one of the most active associations in the Principality, attracting members from all age groups and professional backgrounds.
According to Dr. Röschke, there is a strict in-house vetting process to ensure as much as possible that all members are reputable individuals who have joined the club with genuine intentions.
Celebrating Swiss contributions to Monaco’s success
Switzerland has a long-standing presence in Monaco, with notable Swiss figures leaving a mark on the Principality’s development and international standing. The Swiss community, currently the fourth largest expatriate group in Monaco with around 1,300 residents, includes individuals who have shaped Monaco’s architecture, financial sector, digital landscape and cultural scene.
One of the most influential figures is Giovanni Lombardi (1926–2017), the renowned Swiss engineer known for his expertise in tunnel and dam construction. Lombardi made Monaco his home and brought his engineering prowess to global projects like the Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland and the planned Gibraltar Tunnel between Spain and Morocco. His innovative solutions and economic efficiency made him a respected name in the international engineering community.
Heinz Gloor, a visionary Swiss real estate developer, is another key figure whose legacy can still be seen in Monaco today. Gloor was the driving force behind the development of the Holiday Inn (now Le Méridien Beach Plaza), Monaco’s only hotel with a private beach. His work helped redefine Monaco’s hospitality scene, aligning it with the high-end luxury image the Principality is known for.
In the realm of digital transformation, Frédéric Genta, the son of famed Swiss watchmaker Gérald Genta, is spearheading Monaco’s efforts to position itself as a leader in innovation and technology. Appointed as the government’s delegate for digital transition, Genta is advancing projects such as Smart City, e-government initiatives and digital security. His role is pivotal in ensuring Monaco remains competitive and technologically advanced, further solidifying the strong Swiss presence in shaping the principality’s future.
Swiss contributions to Monaco’s cultural heritage are equally notable. In 2002, the Swiss community donated a sculpture, The Sign of Time, by Swiss artist André Bucher to Prince Rainier III, a symbol of the enduring artistic exchange between the two nations. Bucher, celebrated for his works made from molten lava, left an indelible mark on Monaco’s artistic landscape, and his unique style continues to be admired by art enthusiasts in the Principality.
The club’s grand 75th anniversary gala
To celebrate the club’s milestone, an extravagant gala was held on 15th October at the iconic Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris. Among the 230 guests were Prince Albert II, Consul General of Switzerland in Marseille Christophe Vauthey, and Prince Philipp and Princess Isabelle of Liechtenstein.
The evening was a spectacular showcase of Swiss culture, with traditional performances including Appenzell music, yodelling by Monika Kaelin, opera singers performing the Swiss and Monegasque national anthems, break dancers and an LED dance show by Swiss artists The Blackouts.
Among the auction items generously donated by members of the Swiss community were bespoke men’s and women’s suits by Crisoni Monte-Carlo, an Akris handbag – one of Princess Charlene’s favourites, a jersey signed by AS Monaco football club players and worn by AS Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn, two nights at the luxury hotel Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland, a six-day detox treatment at the famous Swiss Clinique La Prairie, and a Swiss-designed Microlino electric vehicle, which was signed by Prince Albert II and auctioned off for twice the price of the purchase.
The money raised will go towards various charities including the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Swiss swimmer Noam Yaron, Monaco Aide et Presence, the Centre Cardio-Thoracique De Monaco and the Casa Dos Curumins charity in Brazil.
It was an exceptional celebration that prompted a spur of new memberships, Dr. Röschke tells Monaco Life.
“This anniversary was a significant moment for the club, and we wanted to make it a celebration to remember,” says Dr. Röschke.
A shared vision for the future
As Dr. Röschke reflects on the club’s history and its future, he envisions the establishment of a permanent clubhouse where members can come together regularly to exchange ideas and engage in impactful projects.
“Both Monaco and Switzerland have to rely on their people and talent since neither has natural resources,” he points out. “Bringing these individuals together in Monaco to create something meaningful can be beneficial for both nations. We have the brainpower and the shared goal of achieving excellence.”
The club’s mission goes beyond social gatherings; it aims to serve as a forum for intellectual and cultural exchange that mirrors the contributions of prominent Swiss figures to Monaco’s growth.
“We are not a business club,” Dr. Röschke stresses. “Our aim is to bring people together to share ideas, foster understanding, and contribute to both nations.”
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Main photo, left to right: Club Suisse de Monaco Treasurer Marcel Huber, Vice President Silvia Mischler, and President Arik Röschke, credit: Alena Borodina
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