Mayor Georges Marsan, accompanied by several members of the Town Council, presented ambitious plans for the principality during his annual New Year address to the press Monday morning.
Speaking at La Mairie’s Salle des Mariages, Marsan described 2026 as “a strategic year, a pivotal year, a turning point for us,” as several long-planned initiatives near completion.
2025 achievements
Among this year’s achievements, the mayor highlighted the delivery of the Marc-César Scotto Auditorium and lower level of the Académie de Musique Rainier III, completing the academy’s full renovation.
Of equal pride to the town hall was the opening of the new Médiathèque Caroline in the Pasteur district, a project initiated over 15 years ago. The 2,500-square-metre centre houses over 200,000 documents and recorded 544 membership requests just in its first three weeks.
“It was important for elected officials to bring all these entities together in a single point of cultural convergence,” Marsan said of the free facility combining the library, video and music collections, and games library.
Notably, the mayor also mentioned this year’s record attendance at Monaco’s Christmas village, with over 668,000 entries – 20,000 more than the previous year. Additionally, the return of the ice rink drew more than 27,200 visits since opening in December, including over 1,400 entires on December 31st alone.
Lastly, Mayor Marsan also pointed out that during 2025, Monaco managed to strengthen ties with twin towns Dolceacqua, Lucciana and Ostende, with new cultural exchanges including musical collaboration between the Académie de Musique Rainier III and Belgium’s Conservatoire Aan Zee.
Major 2026 projects
The Jardin Exotique will reopen at the end of March following extensive safety works including consolidation and pathway renovation. A new entrance designed by Monegasque architect Frédéric Genin will bring “momentum and modernity to this tourist site”, with additions including a children’s play area and public bar.
Work on the Condamine food market also began this year, with completion expected within 13 months. “It’s a flagship element of our mandate,” Marsan said, noting that the renovation aims to strengthen “the attractiveness, conviviality and quality of welcome of this popular place.”
Moreover, the Espace Lamartine will reopen in July after water damage repairs, while the new ‘Live by Léo Ferré’ concert venue will launch in the final quarter. The modular 1,900 capacity hall will feature state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video technology.
The Saint-Charles swimming pool reopens Monday afternoon following upgrades to its heating and air purification systems.
Family and senior services
A new nursery called ‘Ida’ will reopen in September in the Héméra residence, adding 30 places to bring total childcare capacity to nearly 430 children. The 700-square-metre facility will employ 13 qualified staff.
This year also marks 40 years of the telecare alarm service for seniors, with all equipment modernised in 2024-2025.
Meanwhile, environmental initiatives continue, including la Petite Boîte reusable takeaway container programme, which has been selected for presentation at the European Parliament without even entering a competition.
Marsan concluded the presentation by thanking municipal staff and reaffirming La Mairie’s role as “an institution of proximity to provide citizens with services and facilities that concretely participate in the attractiveness policy led by the Government.”
See also:
Monaco’s new Médiathèque Caroline opens with dedicated study space
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Main photo provided by Mairie de Monaco