Monaco Heritage Day is almost upon us and Monaco Lifehas selected our top picks for this year’s event, which falls under the Arts and Entertainment theme. But keep in mind, pre-registration is necessary by most of the Principality’s cultural institutions.

Every September, the 50 signatory countries of the European Cultural Convention throw a day-long event celebrating what makes each country special, and Monaco is going to spend the 29th in style.

This year’s theme is Arts and Entertainment, and the Mairie has put together a programme highlighting all the Principality has to offer in this respect including distinctive events being held at places such as the Palais Princier, the Jardin Exotique, Sainte-Devote Church, the Oceanographic Museum, the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Cathedral, and the Monaco Multimedia Library. In all, 43 locations around the Principality will participate, each giving visitors a taste of what Monaco has to offer.

Every year, the event draws not only Monegasques, but hundreds of people living outside the borders, allowing them to experience the traditions and heritage of the Principality, as well as allowing them to appreciate the thoroughly modern aspects and features available here as well.

Our top picks:

The Mairieis hosting a full, free day starting at 10am with visits to the Wedding Chapel, the Mayor’s officeand the Council Chamber, followed by musical offerings throughout the day from the Rainer III Academy. The School of Fine Artsrounds out the programme by hosting a fancy dress parade wearing costumes of their own design to celebrate the school’s 50^th anniversary. Afterwards, guests are invited to the José Notari Sound Libraryfor a live DJ set from 6pm until the end of the evening.

The remarkable Renaissance palace Villa Ephrussi de Rothschildwill be hosting guided tours of the incredible Belle Epoque building and it’s nine dream gardens, with commentary on the life of Béatrice de Rothschild as well as many anecdotes related to the Arts and Entertainment theme this year.  

One of Monaco’s most famous cultural landmarks, the Monte Carlo Casino, will be opening its doors in the morning for a special visit to the games rooms, while a croupier will give a demonstration on how to play the famous game of European Roulette. In the afternoon, two 30-minute concerts from the Prince Rainier III Academy of Music Big Band will be hosted in the Salle Garnier.

The Prince’s Palacewill also open its doors giving visitors a chance to discover the state apartments, a collection of Napoleonic souvenirs and the Archives of the Prince’s Palace, free of charge.

Monaco’s prized Oceanographic Museumwill be reducing ticket prices to €8 for adults and €4 for children on the 29^th and will be holding special guided visits including a ‘circus tour’ of the aquarium, as well a treasure hunt.

Sports fans will enjoy a look around Stade Louis II, including visits to the sports hall, boxing hall, the AS Monaco dressing rooms and the football field.

The Big Topin Fontvielle will be offering circus workshops, such as juggling and balance, a special performance by theTous en Pistecircus school, and an exhibition of unique circus pieces from the private collection of Dr. Alain Frère, pioneer of the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo.

Finally, the Scientific Centre of Monacowill be hosting visits of their laboratory with explanations of their research. Visitors will be informed about monitoring penguin populations in Antarctica, will see some coral culture rooms and have the opportunity to examine living coral under the microscope.

Other participating locations around the Principality have kick-off times at either 9am or 10am and run all day. Many require registration or reservations to ensure all who want to attend get a chance to do so. For a full listing of the day’s programme as well as individual registration information, visit the website at: http://journeepatrimoinemonaco.com