Four decades of efforts to promote and commemorate the deep cultural ties between the Principality of Monaco and Princess Grace’s ancestral home of Ireland will be celebrated this year at the Princess Grace Irish Library with a series of captivating events and exhibitions honouring these connections. Here’s what to expect.
To celebrate its landmark anniversary, the library’s team have curated a special programme of events and exhibitions that commemorates the historic ties between the Principality and Ireland, not just through the late Princess Grace, who was ever fond of her family’s Irish roots, but also those created by Irish poets, authors and artists who have spent time in Monaco.
The events will also champion the “triangular link” between Ireland, the United States and Monaco with a series of lectures and multimedia presentations that will showcase the impact of Irish writers and musicians on the global view of Monaco.
See more: Photos: Prince Albert II unveils statue of Princess Grace in Ireland
Music features heavily on the programme too. Students of the Académie Rainier III will be reviving treasured pieces from Princess Grace’s private music collection and there will be a number of collaborations between Monaco’s and Ireland’s flagship musical conservatories.
This spring, the library will also welcome Flor MacCarthy, an esteemed author, journalist, presenter and member of the Ireland Funds Monaco Scholar programme, for a special conference on her latest book, ‘The Presidents’ Letters – An Unexpected History of Ireland’, which includes a letter from Princess Grace.
Bridging cultures
Founded by Prince Rainier III in honour of his wife’s family roots, the Princess Grace Irish Library has been a hub for Irish literary excellence since 1984 and houses a significant collection of Irish-American books and music.
The library’s online catalogue, accessible through its website, offers public access to over 500 Irish books and 1,000 rare Irish-American music scores that span from 1840 to the 1950s.
Operated under the auspices of the Princess Grace of Monaco Foundation, with the Princess Caroline of Hanover as its president and Prince Albert II as its vice-president, the library stands as a testament to Princess Grace’s enduring cultural influence and the rich tapestry of Irish-American heritage in Monaco.
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Photo of the Princess Grace Irish Library