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Monaco’s stamp museum unveils architectural journey through miniature art

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
09/10/2025

Monaco’s Museum of Stamps and Coins is presenting a unique perspective on the Principality’s architectural heritage through a new exhibition running until December 31st. 

‘Architecture in Philately: A History in Miniature’ features 120 rare and exceptional philatelic pieces that follow Monaco’s architectural evolution from historic landmarks to contemporary developments.

“I arrived in February as the new head of the museum with the main mission of revitalising this place, which had been somewhat forgotten,” Flavie Bonnin-Novaretti, head of the Museum of Stamps and Coins, told Monaco Life.

The exhibition, which opened on October 4th, was timed to coincide with European Heritage Day on October 5th.

The stamps provide a visual timeline of Monaco’s changing landscape. The oldest piece in the collection dates from 1939 and shows Port Hercule and the Rock extending to Spélugues. This is contrasted with a 2023 block depicting the extensive urban development that has since transformed the area.

“Architecture is a theme that has been enormously covered in philatelic issues,” said Bonnin-Novaretti. “The idea is that we can trace neighbourhoods or the evolution of buildings through time.”

The exhibition tracks the transformation of entire districts, including Larvotto from its 1966 appearance through to Renzo Piano’s recent redesign and the inauguration of the Marettera extension.

One of the stamp collections, photo by Monaco Life.

Tracking evolution

Additionally, one highlight is a series of stamps showing the evolution of the Prince’s Palace, featuring lesser-known architectural details. The collection spans from depictions of the Rock in the 17th century through to the most recent stamp issued, which shows modifications made before 2015. The series includes the Serravalle Bastion, the Clock Tower, the Odeon Tower, and the All Saints Tower.

“It allows people to gain cultural knowledge in a slightly different way, while admiring the beauty of stamps, which are truly works of art.” explained Bonnin-Novaretti.

The exhibition also demonstrates the artistic process behind stamp creation, particularly those produced using the intaglio printing technique, which requires a definer, an engraver, and a specific printing method recognised as an artistic discipline.

Machine used for stamp printing, photo by Monaco Life.

The display includes cultural monuments on one side and religious buildings on the other side, with particular attention give to Fontvieille’s development, from the initial sea expansion and land reclamation through to the construction of the district’s iconic buildings.

The Museum of Stamps and Coins is located at the Terrasses de Fontvieille and is open Monday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5pm.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video below…

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Main photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life

 

Monaco’s Justice Secretary: “We need to come out of the shadows”

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
05/10/2025

When Samuel Vuelta Simon arrived in Monaco as Secretary of State for Justice just over a year ago, he made a shocking discovery: the Principality’s Wikipedia page didn’t even mention its justice system. 

“I thought, this isn’t possible,” he told the press, including Monaco Life, during a meeting on October 2nd. “How can people not know about a justice system that works well, works quickly, and is independent?”

That moment shaped his mission to modernise Monaco’s court while helping understand how justice actually works.

“Justice must be accountable to the community that employs it,” Vuelta Simon said. “It’s not some shadow arm of the state. It needs to explain what it does for people every day.”

It’s an ambitious goal for a small operation. Monaco’s entire justice administration runs on 30 people, with about 10 senior officials managing everything from courtrooms to international treaties.

Addressing independence questions

One of the first things Vuelta Simon confronted were the claims that Monaco’s judiciary lacks independence. Critics site article 88 of the Constitution, which states judicial power “belongs to the Prince”. But he argues that they are reading selectively.

“The following articles make clear that power is fully delegated to the courts,” he explained. “In a year here, I’ve never given a single instruction in an individual case.”

His role is administrative, which means ensuring judges can work independently, not directing their decisions. The only area where he can intervene is speed. “I can ask where they are on a case, whether they can move faster. People deserve prompt justice. But the substance of cases isn’t my call.”

Vuelta Simon during the press conference, photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Direction de la Communication 

Recruiting Monegasque judges

For years, young Monegasques have shown little to no interest in becoming judges. Last year, Monaco cancelled a magistrate recruitment competition when candidates withdrew.

This year brought a breakthrough though – 11 people enrolled in preparation courses, five registered for the magistracy exam, and three applied exclusively for judge positions. “This has never happened,” Vuelta explained.

His aim is for at least half of Monaco’s magistrates to be national. Currently, most are French.

The Monegasque Institute for Judicial Training, in an attempt to make justice more accessible, offered 700 training places this year, up from 340 three years ago. New programmes now serve government workers and students, not just legal professionals.

Monaco has also launched its first journal in June and began a book series on Monegasque law. These initiative address practical gaps like bailiff’s fees that hadn’t been updated in 25 years, while notaries operate under 1886 regulations.

“When we forget to update these texts, our justice system eventually grinds to a halt,” Vuelta Simon said.

International standing

Next year, Monaco will chair the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers from May to November 2026, an opportunity that won’t recur for over two decades.

“It’s a chance to show what we do here and prove we’re at the level of major states,” Vuelta Simon said. Monaco is also negotiating judicial cooperation treaties with China, Panama, and Brazil.

“We’re a small team achieving important things quickly with limited resources,” he said, wrapping up the conference. Whether updating Wikipedia, training judges, or exiting grey lists, his main objective remains consistent, and that is bringing Monaco’s justice system into clearer view.

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Main photo of Vuelta Simon credit: Manuel Vitali, Direction de la Communication

International Underwater Photography teams take to Monaco waters

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
05/09/2025

Eleven countries took part in Monaco’s 2nd International Challenge on Friday morning, kicking off three days of underwater photography competitions organised by the Monaco Underwater Exploration Club (CESMM).

Teams from Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, and Tunisia gathered at 8:30am for briefings before taking to the water at 9:00am for the day dives.

The competition runs alongside the 20th National Contest and Junior Contest conclusion, making this weekend Monaco’s biggest underwater photography event of the year under the high patronage of Prince Albert II.

During the morning’s dives teams were able to encounter and photograph colourful Mediterranean fish, nudibranchs, and juvenile species in the Principality’s protected waters.

The photographs are set to be revealed on Sunday during the awards ceremony.

Portuguese team opens up about their first dive

Ana Ferro, representing Portugal alongside dive partner Vanda Gonçalves, described the welcoming contrast of Monaco’s waters with their home conditions.

“In Portugal, the water is much colder. So it’s very nice to be in warmer water,” Ferro told Monaco Life. The team observed various species including colourful fish, what Ferro described as “beauty branch” sea slugs, and small blue fish during their dive.

For Ferro, underwater photography offers more than competition. “It’s very relaxing. You forget about your daily life, your daily stress, your daily problems,” she explained, while Gonçalves described diving as her preferred “anti-depressive”.

When asked about her photographs from the morning dive, Ferro remained cautiously optimistic: “Let’s hope. I think they’re good, and I believe one or two are really good.”

Ana Ferro alongside dive partner Vanda Gonçalves, photo by Monaco Life.

The photographers use professional equipment with interchangeable settings for macro and wide-angle photography, plus external flashes triggered by the camera’s internal system. Competition rules require photographers to present sealed cameras to judges before opening them to ensure fairness.

World-first night challenge tonight

While Friday focused on standard day diving, the evening introduces underwater night photography to international competition for the first time. Teams will gather again at 8:30pm for briefings before taking once more to the water for their night dive.

“For our 2nd International Challenge, we wanted to innovate with a world-first: underwater night photography. Shooting conditions are much more challenging at night, especially with lighting, and the marine life encountered is entirely different,” said Roger Mullot, CESMM President.

Photographers must capture images across four categories: macro photography, fish portraits, wide-angle shots, and an imposed theme across three total dives.

The divers relaxing after their morning dive, photo by Monaco Life.

Weekend programme

Saturday will feature the 20th National Contest, bringing together 13 teams to compete in CESMM’S flagship annual event for the perfect shot.

The competition concludes on Sunday with the awards ceremony starting at 10:00am in the Oceanographic Museum’s Conference Hall.

The weekend reinforces the club’s motto “To know better is to protect better”, using photography to raise awareness of marine environment protection.

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Main photo by Monaco Life.

“You learn well when you feel well at school”: Monaco’s education reforms

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
05/09/2025

Monaco is implementing significant education reforms guided by a principle explained by Education Director Jean-Philippe Vinci: “You learn well when you feel well at school”, at a press conference on Wednesday.

These reforms respond to concerning trends identified through research and consultation processes, including ESPAD Monaco’s survey and extensive dialogue with young people themselves about extensive pressures they face.

Eight sessions with the Youth Consultative Commission show teenagers identify anxiety, academic pressure, and digital addiction as their primary concerns.

“We thought they would talk about the ice rink,” Vinci explained during the back-to-school conference on September 3rd. “Instead, they spoke to us about academic pressure, mental health, and mobile phones.”

This consultation process, combined with evidence from school psychologists and the ESPAD Monaco survey, informed the government’s comprehensive response to what Vinci describes as a “general anxiety” affecting students across all age groups.

The most visible intervention is the ‘NoPhone’ system, magnetic pouches that keep phones physically present but completely inaccessible during school hours. “It’s not about fighting against screens in general,” Vinci explained. “We’re targeting addiction, the inability to resist taking out one’s phone.”

However, beyond digital restrictions, Monaco is restructuring education itself. College students now have reduced weekly hours to improve work-life balance while maintaining educational standards.

Practical Interdisciplinary Teaching programmes have been eliminated except for those preparing students for national diploma oral exams. Language classes have also been reorganised, students in the English Plus programme now receive one hour of conversation time instead of 1.5 hours for Years 8 and 9, but in smaller, more effective groups.

For ambitious students, voluntary advanced mathematics programmers prepare students for Concours Général and Olympiads. “We’re comfortable with English and humanities but in mathematics, we can go even further,” Vinci noted. 

Meanwhile, a new vocational preparation track, 3ème prépa-métiers, opened at College Charles III. Students spend five hours weekly exploring careers through partnerships with Lycée Rainier III teachers and complete workplace immersions. 

Building identity and belonging

Monaco is also strengthening cultural identity through systematic programmes. Universal music education launched in nursery schools through partnerships with Academy Rainier III, exposing young children to instruments, rhythm, and voice work.

Meanwhile, the Principality completed its three-volume ‘Monaco, mon histoire’ curriculum this year, with the final textbook for Year 6 students covering contemporary history, civic education, and geography.

Lastly, a ‘standard dress code’ will also be introduced for college students in early 2026. Standardised upper garments will be implemented while allowing freedom for lower clothing choices. The aim is to create a collective identity and belonging.

Mental health takes centre stage

Mental health support is being systematically embedded throughout the education system. All students now receive formal introduction to school psychologists at the start of each academic year, an effort to normalise health conversations.

Comprehensive programmes will also be set it place to address various forms of addiction, from screen dependency to substance abuse. Additionally, educational continuity will be provided for hospitalised children in paediatric and psychiatric services, ensuring no student falls behind due to health challenges.

Staff across all nursery schools are now receiving practical training in supporting students with neurodevelopment disorders and behavioural challenges.

Lastly, elite athlete Joris Bretagnolles, a top- 10 world BMX Freestyle Flatland competitor, will visit schools to discuss social media impact and addiction risks with students, bringing real-world perspective to the conversations.

Practical changes

School meal services have also been redesigned around educational concepts with new providers offering themed dining experiences like ‘Chez Toki’, ‘La Cantine de Toki’, ‘Stop au Gaspi’, and ‘Le Good Spot’ without increasing family costs.

Elite athlete students are also set to receive enhanced support through two programmes: intensive sport classes for those training 8+ hours weekly, and Sport Elite for lycée students training 20+ hours weekly, accommodating 258 students across 35 disciplines.

Lastly, digital education will include AI literacy training for teachers and students, covering both general awareness and technical skills like effective prompting, preparing students for a digital future while teaching healthy boundaries.

This systematic approach addresses what Vinci describes as widespread anxiety among young people, driven by factors including uncertainty for the future, intensive screen use, social media exposure, and substance addition risks.

“The time for learning is not scrolling time,” Vinci stated. “School time means being face-to-face with the teacher with dedicated attention to what’s being taught”.

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Main photo credit: Directorate of Communication-Stéphane Danna

 

Entries open for Environmental Photography Award 2026

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
04/09/2025

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has launched its call for entries for the 2026 Environmental Photography Award, giving photographers worldwide the chance to showcase urgent environmental stories through their art.

Registrations opened on September 2nd for the competition, which celebrates photographers working to advance conservation and raise environmental awareness. The award features five categories: Ocean, Forests, Polar Regions, Changemakers, and Humanity vs Nature.

Established in 2011 as part of the Foundation’s Green Shift Initiative, the award welcomes both professional and amateur photographers. Participation is free, with submissions accepted until November 2nd 2025.

Prize details

Winners in each category will receive €1,000, while the overall Grand Prize winner will earn an additional €5,000 plus a trip to Monaco to collect their award. Two additional awards are also available: The Public Award and Student’s Choice Award, each worth €500, with the Public Award winner also receiving the opportunity to visit SEK International University’s research station in the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador.

The official selection of 36 photographs will be announced mid-April 2026, followed by a summer exhibition in Monaco before the show tours internationally. Publisher Skira Paris will produce a coffee table book featuring all selected images.

The jury panel

Leading the 2026 jury is Dutch photographer Jasper Doest, a senior fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers and WWF ambassador. Doest previously won the Foundation’s 2023 Grand Prize and holds four World Press Photo Awards alongside National Geographic’s prestigious Photographer’s Photographer Award.

The international panel includes marine science specialist Angel Fitor from Spain, Nature Picture Library’s Tom Gilks from the UK, National Geographic Explorer Sharon Guynup from the USA, Arctic cinematographer Florian Ledoux from France, big cat specialist Steve Winter from the USA, and natural history filmmaker Christian Ziegler from Germany. Conservation photographer Sergio Pitamitz also returns as Contest Chairman.

Foundation’s environmental mission

“Photographers have a unique ability to translate the urgency of today’s environmental challenges into a universal language that touches hearts and inspires action,” explains Olivier Wenden, the Foundation’s Vice-Chairman and CEO. “With this Award, we aim to amplify their voices and ensure their stories resonate far beyond the conservation community.”

Photographers can submit their entries at www.fpa2photoaward.org until 2nd November 2025

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Main photo provided.

See more about last year’s Environmental Photography Award in our reel below…

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Monaco goes all out on school phone ban

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
04/09/2025

Monaco’s public schools are stepping up their fight against smartphone addiction with the introduction of ‘No phone’, a bespoke magnetic pouch system that allows students to keep their devices close but not accessible throughout the school day. 

The new measure, announced on Wednesday 3rd September during a back-to-school conference by Education Director Jean-Philippe Vinci, targets students from CM2 through to Terminale. The system is straightforward: students arrive at school with their phones, place them in a secure magnetic pouch provided by the school, seal it, and carry the now-inaccessible device throughout the day. The pouch is unlocked using a magnetic release as they leave school.

“It’s about learning to use digital tools reasonably and thoughtfully while mastering their effects,” explained Vinci, while highlighting that this is an educational rather than punitive approach. Vinci described the initiative as helping students break free from what he termed as “the digital pacifier” or “security blanket”.

The NoPhone system sees Monaco catching up with – and even improving upon – France’s own ‘portable en pause’ initiative, which went nationwide on 1st September after a successful trial across 100 schools.

While France’s initiative leaves it up to each school to decide how to enforce the measure, Monaco’s magnetic pouch offers key advantages, according to the government: no confiscation conflict, preserved student responsibility, and respect for autonomy – all while helping to restore focus.

Early data from French trials has shown promising results that Monaco aims to replicate: a 42% rise in average attention levels, three times fewer phone-related incidents, and 68% of students feeling calmer during the day. Parents appear supportive too, with 83% saying the system reassures them.

Private schools already ahead

While Monaco’s public schools will now implement the pouch technology, the International School of Monaco (ISM) tells Monaco Life that it has been operating a comprehensive phone ban for years. Their approach is quite straightforward: complete physical handover.

“Every morning, ISM students in Years 7 to 13 physically hand their phones in for the full school day,” confirmed the school administration. The devices are stored securely on campus, completely inaccessible to students until the final bell. Even senior students who leave campus for lunch must hand phones back upon return.

“We have seen the positive impact this has had on students,” ISM notes, though they’re keeping an eye on Monaco’s pouch technology as a potential addition to their existing measures.

The move comes as part of a broader campaign against what Vinci calls the “anxious generation”, a reference to increasing mental health concerns among young people. It’s a way of creating alternative spaces and resistance against the pressures of our hyper-connected world. The goal isn’t to demonise technology but rather to establish schools as “deceleration spaces where learning takes time”.

See also: 

Mobile phone ban in collèges: what parents and students need to know

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Main photo of Education Director Jean-Philippe Vinci showcasing how the magnetic pouch works, by Monaco Life.