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From Poussin to the present: Monaco exhibition traces four centuries of nature

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
13/02/2026

The Nouveau Musée National de Monaco has launched its first exhibition of 2026, bringing together works by nearly 40 contemporary artists alongside classical paintings. Some of the most notable are five canvases by the 17th century French painter Nicolas Poussin. 

‘Le Sentiment de la Nature. L’art contemporain au miroir de Poussin – The Feeling of Nature: Contemporary Art in the Mirror of Poussin’ runs at the Villa Paloma from 13th February to 25th May. The show was curated by Guillaume de Sardes, a writer and exhibition-maker who previously presented ‘Pasolini en clair-obscur’ at the same venue in 2024.

Nicolas Poussin, (1594-1665), spent most of his career in Rome despite being French, and is widely regarded as the first painter to treat nature as a subject in its own right instead of a background scenery. The exhibition uses his work to pose the question of whether this approach still resonates today.

From storms to butterflies

The show is divided into six sections: storms and nights, forests and gardens, seascapes and waterfalls, deserts and volcanoes, mountains, and flowers and butterflies. It spans sculpture, photography, video, installation and painting.

Some of most intriguing pieces are built around Poussin’s ‘The Storm’ (1651), an unusual work for a painter better known for ordered landscapes. Where Poussin painted the full drama of lighting striking, Fausto Melotti reduces rain to a single golden line and Pier Paolo Calzolari to a few spare marks. Then, Ange Leccia’s video goes even further, placing the viewer inside the storm rather than in front of it.

Nicolas Poussin, L’Orage (dit L’Orage Pointel), vers 1651. Huile sur toile, 99 x 132 cm. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen, Inv. 975.1 @ GrandPalaisRmn / Gérard Blot. Photo by Monaco Life.

Equally surprising is the forests section, where Thomas Demand built an entire forest out of paper at 1:1 scale and photographed it. Hung alongside Poussin’s ‘Landscape at Grottaferrata’ (around 1626) and Giuseppe Penone’s canvases on which tree forms are traced directly in chlorophyll, it raises a quiet question about what we mean by “natural” in the first place.

Poetry over protest

The exhibition has a clear editorial position. Much contemporary art dealing with nature takes environmental urgency as its starting point. De Sardes has assembled something different — work that finds poetry and wonder in the natural world without ignoring its fragility.

The choice is deliberate: some artists, he argues, restore the sense of poetry in the world rather than simply document its threats. Whether that is a political choice or an aesthetic one is left, deliberately, to the visitor.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life

The British School of Monaco opens its new nursery

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
12/02/2026

The British School of Monaco opened its early years nursery in January, and families have wasted no time. Set in a 250 square metre space at L’Escorial on avenue Hector Otto, it gives children aged three to five a full day of learning, play and rest; something that was surprisingly hard to come by in Monaco until now. 

Founders Olena Prykhodko and Luke Sullivan started the school in 2022 with just seven students. Today, it has around 150 pupils across four sites, with the nursery as its latest addition.

Filling a significant gap

While full-day nurseries are standard across much of Europe, in Monaco, many only offer half a day. “What can you do in three hours? It’s impossible,” Maria Lugovoy, a parent, tells Monaco Life. The new nursery runs from 8:45am to 3:30pm, providing a full day of .

“We have 15 students today, against a total capacity of 32 places,” reveals Prykhodko. Each class has a maximum of 16 children, with an English-speaking teacher, a bilingual English-French assistant, and a French teacher who takes the children every morning.

The school follows the British curriculum, but French runs through the whole day due to the mix of families. Close to 30 nationalities are represented, mainly from English, Russian and Italian speaking backgrounds. “Most of our children come from international families who have recently arrived in Monaco,” said Prykhodko. “Many are bilingual or multilingual. Our real expertise is preparing them for that environment.”

During the school day, photo credit: Monaco Life

A school cosy by design

Inside, the classrooms are bright and softly furnished, more like a home than a school. . Each room is 45 sqm for a maximum of 16 children. Outside, two separate playgrounds of 80 and 160 sqm give the children plenty of room to run and play.  For those who want to nap after lunch, the school has also built custom wooden beds.

“We really wanted the children to sleep in a very cosy place,” said Prykhodko. “Children love to sleep here. they really don’t want to wake up afterwards.”

Their daily schedule covers French, reading and writing, maths, music and outdoor play.

One of the two classrooms, photo by Monaco Life.

“It’s like one big family”

The best reviews came from the parents. Maria and Andrey Lugovoy are an Israeli family with three children at the school. Their youngest started the nursery a month ago.

“On weekends, she’s sad that she doesn’t go to school,” said Maria Lugovoy. “She tries to put her uniform on herself. In the morning, she doesn’t even want to eat breakfast, she just says: ‘Mummy, I want to go to school.'”

For the Lugovoys, it was never just about the hours. “We were looking for something more than the standard approach where the school and parents are completely separate,” said Andrey Lugovoy. “We saw an integrated approach around the child, their education, their well-being and their values. You can see it’s like one big family.”

The international curriculum matters too, for a family that may move again. “We wanted something stable, something we could apply in other places,” he said.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life

Arnaud Alessandria finishes 30th in Super-G at Milano Cortina 2026

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
11/02/2026

Monaco’s Arnaud Alessandria finished 30th in the men’s Super-G at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Wednesday, crossing the line 4.81 seconds behind gold medalist Franjo von Allmen of Switzerland.

Competing on Bormio’s demanding Stelvio piste, the 32-year-old Monegasque skier clocked a time of 1:30.13 in his second Olympic event of the Games, having placed 31st in Saturday’s downhill.

Ahead of the race, Alessandria had vowed to adopt a more aggressive approach after describing his downhill performance as “a bit too gentle”.” I’ll have to show less respect for the piste,” he said. “I need to be more aggressive. I have to let the horses loose.”

However, Alessandria’s participation at Milano Cortina 2026 represents a significant achievement in itself. Just six months ago, the Monaco skier was recovering from major surgery for two herniated discs.

Prince Albert II has also praised the athlete’s determination. Speaking after Saturday’s downhill, the Prince said: “To return to this level under these conditions is remarkable. I am very proud of what he has accomplished.”

Swiss domination continues

Von Allmen claimed his third alpine skiing gold of the Games with a winning time of 1:25.32, establishing Switzerland’s dominance in the Games. The 24-year-old, who also won the downhill and team combined earlier this week, finished ahead of American Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who took silver 0.13 seconds back.

Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt secured bronze, 0.28 seconds off the pace, giving the Swiss team two medals on the podium.

The Super G on the Stelvio piste tested competitors with speeds reaching 130 and 140km/h. The technical nature of the course, combined with its high speed sections, made it one of the most difficult events of the Games.

Jacques Pastor, technical direction of the Monaco Ski Federation, had acknowledged before the race than Super-G was not Alessandria’s preferred discipline but had expressed confidence that the skier would give his best.

Now, the Winter Olympics continue until the Closing Ceremony on 22nd February.

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Main photo credit: Christian Petersen, Getty Images

How to spend Saint Valentine’s Day in Monaco

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
11/02/2026

With Valentine’s Day falling on Saturday this year, couples in Monaco have the luxury of a full day to celebrate. Whether it’s a romantic candlelit dinner with Mediterranean views or a simple stroll through the old town, the Principality has much to offer.

Starting with where to eat, Monaco’s restaurants have risen to the occasion with special menus that range from lavish to laid-back.

For those wanting to go all out, the Michelin-stared restaurants are presenting their finest work. Blue Bay Marcel Ravin** has created a menu at €510 per person, which includes half a bottle of Ruinart Millésimé 2016 champagne. L’Abysse Monte-Carlo** at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo offers a special Omakase menu at €420 per person.

Chef Yannick Alléno’s Pavyllon Monte-Carlo* offers a five-course experience for €290, while Le Grill* combines Chef Dominique Lory’s cooking with views of the Mediterranean at €335 per person.

For a more relaxed setting, there are equally appealing options. The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is hosting a festive evening night in the heart of Place du Casino for €140 per person. The relatively-new brasserie Marlow, tucked into the Mareterra quarter, brings a touch of British elegance for €120.

Meanwhile, couples looking to combine dining with a bit of pampering might consider L’Hirondelle at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, which has put together a wellness package for €235 per person that includes a 60-minute massage, a Mediterranean lunch, and access to the spa.

Alternatively, the Spa Clarins & myBlend at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort offers a ‘Romance and Well-Being’ experience at €395 for two people, featuring a 60-minute massage of your choice followed by champagne and a pastry at L’Orange Verte restaurant.

Beyond the traditional fine dining restaurants, New Moods is hosting the Tree Gees, a Bee Gees tribute band, on both 13th and 14th February, with prices starting from €65 per person. It’s a chance to combine dinner with live music and a bit of nostalgia.

Then for something equally special but in a different setting, Restaurant 1909 at the Yacht Club de Monaco welcomes couples from 7:30pm for an evening accompanied by a pianist and singer, priced at €150 per person.

Of course, all venues require advance booking, so last minute reservations are unlikely.

Something sweet

As always, chocolates remain a Valentine’s staple, and Monaco has no shortage of exceptional options.

For this year, Anour Chocolat has crafted three limited edition treats for the occasion. The Forêt Noire tablet pairs morello cherry with vanilla, while the Caramel Beurre Salé combines praline and almond, both are €16.

Then, the standout piece is the Ballotin Saint-Valentin, a box of two heart-shaped chocolates. ‘Irrésistible’ features dark chocolate ganache infused with red fruit tea and morello cherry jelly, while ‘Seductive’ brings a kick of fresh ginger. At €8, it’s an affordable gesture that still feels personal.

For those after something different, Cédric Grolet Monte-Carlo has created the Coeur Saint-Honoré, a delicate combination of crispy puff pastry, caramel choux, vanilla pastry cream, and vanilla whipped cream. It’s available via click and collect from 13th to 15th February at €35, with only 100 pieces available, so advance reservation is recommended.

A romantic stroll

Monaco also offers a quieter, more romantic side. A walk along Port Hercule at sunset is sometimes all the romance one needs, with the fading light catching the water, the yachts’ soft glow, and the harbour lights, it’s the kind of scenery that doesn’t require much else.

But for couples after something a bit more playful, the ice rink at Stade Nautique Rainier, right in the Port Hercule’s centre, is open until March 1st. At just €8 per person, it’s an easy way to spend an hour or two together, wobbling around on the ice hand in hand, offering all the romance necessary without the pressure of perfection.

For the active couple

Valentine’s Day, however, doesn’t have to be all about candlelit dinners. The Monaco Run Gramaglia takes place 14th and 15th February, offering a sportier way to celebrate. The City Trail kicks off at 9am on Saturday morning, taking runners on a 12km route through Monaco’s streets, parks, and monuments. While it is an unconventional way to mark the day, for active couples, sharing a sporting challenge can be just as memorable as a meal.

Valentine’s Day in Monaco doesn’t have to be grand or overly orchestrated. A good meal, a thoughtful gift, and a walk through the town can be more than enough. The Principality already offers the setting, the rest is up to the couple to decide.

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Photo by Monaco Life

WAIB Summit Monaco set to return in June

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
11/02/2026

The WAIB Summit Monaco, a major conference focused on Web3 technology and artificial intelligent, is scheduled to return from 9th to 10th June at One Monte Carlo.

Following a successful inaugural event last year, this year’s summit is expected to draw more than 2,000 attendees, including technology company founders, investors and policymakers.

It is scheduled to take place shortly after the Monaco Grand Prix and is designed to act as a meeting point for the cryptocurrency, blockchain, and artificial intelligence industry, combining technical discussion with business networking.

Last year’s edition featured 150 speakers from companies including Microsoft, Coinbase, Crypto.com, Galaxy Digital, and AS Monaco.

What’s planned for 2026

The two-day summit will focus on Web3, artificial intelligence, and digital assets. Alongside the main conference, organisers have also planned several additional events.

A private meeting for family offices and institutional investors is expected to draw representatives from major financial institutions including Standard Chartered, BNP Paribas, and Galaxy Digital. Organisers have also scheduled startup pitching sessions, where selected Web3 and AI companies will present to investors.

Other activities include a hackathon for developers, an AI film festival examining the technology’s role in filmmaking, and various networking events. The AI Film Festival will feature a jury including Anthony Bourached, an associate professor of machine learning at UCL, and Vincent Lowy, former head of ENS Louis-Lumière.

A gala for prominent figures in Web3 and AI will also take place, featuring workshops and discussions on technology and influence, while the WAIB Summit Monte Carlo Awards will recognise innovation across both sectors.

Early-bird tickets are already available through the summit’s website at waibsummit.com.

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Photo provided by WAIB Summit Monaco

 

Monaco Government responds to Fontvieille Shopping Centre strike

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
10/02/2026

The Monaco Government has promised to continue talks with traders following Monday’s strike at the Fontvieille Shopping Centre, where approximately 80% of shops closed their doors in protest. 

The demonstration saw dozens of employees and business owners gather at the site to voice their concerns over the planned redevelopment project, which is scheduled to begin in 2028 after more than 18 years of delays.

Traders distributed leaflets to shoppers and people passing by with messages that included, in French, “We are closing today so we don’t close permanently tomorrow”, and “Deaf government, absent National Council, exhausted traders.”

The strike followed a July 2025 meeting where Finance Minister Pierre-André Chiappori announced that current traders would receive compensation settlements but would not automatically be relocated to the new shopping centre. Instead, they would need to participate in an open application process alongside external candidates.

Philippe Clerissi, president of the Fontvieille Shopping Centre’s Economic Interest Group, said this contradicted earlier government communications which had suggested continuity of commercial activity, according to Monaco Matin. He estimates around 200 employees could face unemployment as a result of the plans.

Compensation concerns

Traders have also criticised the compensation package with Clerissi describing the proposals, many of which arrived between Christmas and New Year, as “inadequate and even inhumane”. He claimed some businesses were being offered just one-fifth of what they originally paid when talking over their premises.

The social support measures for employees have also drawn criticism, amid claims the government has calculated solely on shop floor space rather than staff numbers or length of service, at a rate of €10,000 per 25 square metres.

The government said in it’s statement released Monday evening that it remains particularly attentive to the trader’s concerns. The Minister of State proposed organising a meeting with the shopkeepers as soon as he learned of the planned demonstration.

Additionally, the government stated that an individual support package has been presented to traders, both those who have ceased trading and those wishing to continue until construction begins. It also said it intends to maintain its dialogue with the Economic Interest Group and all affected businesses.

The Fontvieille Shopping Centre, which opened in 1992, was set for a €10 million refurbishment announced in July 2025, with works including the replacement of travelators and walkways set to begin in 2026.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life