Monaco’s newest entertainment hub, Box98, has brought electric karting, arcade games, bowling, and a touch of nostalgia back to the community.
Officially opened to the public on 1st April following an inauguration by the Princely family on Friday, Box98 is located on the terraces of the Fontvieille Shopping Centre, at the former Car Collection Museum of the Sovereign Prince. Monaco Life visited the newly launched venue, which blends fast-paced fun with a nod to local history—offering everything from karting and gaming to a curated display of Stars’n’Bars memorabilia.
The entrance area is bright, loud and animated, filled with the hum of arcade machines and the buzz of electric go-karts zipping around the elevated track overhead. Neon lighting, racing simulators, a pool table, bowling alleys, karaoke rooms, and various gaming arcades give the space a distinctly youth-oriented atmosphere.
See more: New chapter for Fontvieille as Box98 set to open in former museum site
But it’s the upper level that brings an unexpected nostalgic element. A sports bar and seating area have been fitted with display cases containing memorabilia from the now-closed beloved Stars’n’Bars sports bar. Among the items are original racing suits, signed photographs, and well-worn sneakers labelled with names like the Jensen brothers and Aaron Krickstein. The original signage from the former venue has also been installed, preserving a slice of Monaco’s social and sporting past.
One 14-year-old local, who had just finished a karting session, told Monaco Life: “The track is so cool. I’m going to come back this weekend with my friends and hang out here.”
His mother added, “There used to be NiBox years ago, but since its closure there hasn’t really been a proper place for teens since. This is much better — it keeps them busy.”
See also: New youth leisure centre to open in Fontvieille in early spring
The track itself is designed to mimic elements of the Monaco Grand Prix, featuring sweeping curves, a raised layout and a short straight for overtaking. The fully electric go-karts come in various models, including options for young children, teens, and adults. A special boost button in adult karts provides an extra burst of speed.
After extensive calls from Monaco’s National Council for the reintroduction of a family-friendly leisure centre in Monaco, the government announced in December that it had secured a concept for the unused site in Fontvielle.
Pricing starts at €25 for a single adult session, with multi-session packages available. A ‘Grand Prix’ format, which includes practice, qualification, and a race, is priced at €75 per person.
Box98 is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with extended hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. It remains closed on Mondays.
Check out Monaco Life’s Box98 reel below:
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Photos by Monaco Life.