From museums to national monuments, more than 50 important sites around the Principality will throw open their doors this weekend to mark the European Heritage Days event.
Since 1996, the Principality has taken part in European Heritage Days, an event that honours the history, heritage and traditions of establishments and institutions across the continent.
In Monaco, the Heritage Institute, under the aegis of the Department of Cultural Affairs, organises local events and has this year curated a packed programme under the theme of “living heritage” that features everything from sport to gastronomy and performing arts to science.
MORE THAN 50 SITES IN MONACO
In all, 53 sites and attractions around the Principality are listed on the programme. Many are not habitually open to the public, but all will be free to access on 24th September, making for a real cultural treat.
Monaco-Ville, known more colloquially as The Rock, has several hot spots to hit, including the Grand Apartments of the Prince’s Palace, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, the Mairie, the Conseil National building, the Minister of State’s residence and the Princess Grace Irish Library.
The district also will feature entertainment by the U Cantin d’a Roca singers and the Palladienne dance troupe, as well as an entirely student-curated exhibition by the École Supérieure d’Arts Plastiques’ Pavillon Bosio called “Les Réformés du Droit Réservé”.
In Fontvieille, check out the Jardin Animalier Rainier III, the Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies and the Stade Louis II, before heading over to the Condamine to visit the Automobile Collection of the Prince, the Academie Rainier III, which is running guided tours of its new premises, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco and the Sainte-Dévote Chapel.
Also on your list should be the central district of Monte-Carlo, where the public is invited to spend time wandering through the Casino, the Opera Garnier, the Académie Princesse Grace and even the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco premises.
Elsewhere in the Principality, visitors can explore the Eglise des Carmes in La Rousse, the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco’s (NMNM) Villa Sauber site in Larvotto, and the Jardin Exotique’s Centre Botanique, Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique and NMNM’s Villa Paloma.
There are some outdoors activities too, such as the workshops at the Parc Princesse Antoinette’s A Fabrica with the Terres Méditerranéennes association.
There are scores more places to visit too, all of which can be found here. Plan well and don’t miss a single one!
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Featured photo credit: Jean Pierre Debernardi