Monaco’s iconic Stade Louis II is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades of sporting, cultural and community significance.
Since its inauguration by Prince Rainier III on 25th January 1985, the Stade Louis II in Fontvieille—instantly recognisable for its distinctive arches and multi-purpose facilities—has become a defining feature of the Principality.
To commemorate the venue’s landmark 40th anniversary, several events have been planned to honour its rich history and enduring legacy.
The celebrations began with an official ceremony on 4th February in the stadium’s Salon d’Honneur, where guests revisited its origins, conception, construction and inauguration.
Another highlight of the festivities will be the opening of an immersive exhibition entitled Il était une première fois, or Once Upon a Time, in April. The exhibition aims to capture the dynamic spirit of the stadium by showcasing its diverse history of events, from sporting triumphs to cultural milestones. It will feature highlights of the stadium’s “firsts”—its first football match, first world record, first archery competition, first concert, first boxing gala and more.
Visitors will be able to relive these historic moments through an array of archives, photographs and posters collected from various sources. To bring this retrospective to life, the stadium’s management has enlisted scenographer Ahmad Reshad, a former student of the École Supérieure d’Arts Plastiques, and Gérard Holtz, a well-known journalist and sports enthusiast, to curate the display.
As part of the commemorations, Monaco’s postal service will also issue a special 40th-anniversary stamp for collectors and enthusiasts on 18th March. This unique philatelic tribute will serve as a lasting memento of the stadium’s enduring presence in Monaco’s sporting and cultural heritage.
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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department