Amid the glamour and luxury that Monaco enjoys from its position on the French Riviera, the principality also hosts a vibrant and eclectic art scene.
Monaco’s art scene takes on many forms: from a large international art festival to public art, Monaco’s modern art gallery, and classic fine art pieces and sculptures. Summer is a great time to discover art in Monaco and enjoy the calm, inspirational atmosphere of the exceptional galleries. Here’s a selection of some of the best Monaco art galleries and art fairs.
Monaco art
New National Museum of Monaco
The Nouveau Musée National Monaco, as it is known in French, features contemporary Monaco art in two stunning sites: the Villa Sauber and the Villa Paloma. Each venue displays two art exhibitions a year. Villa Sauber, one of the last Belle Epoque villas in Monaco, is an exquisite Monaco art destination to explore on its own, including its lush gardens, while Villa Paloma, described as one of the finest patrician residences in the principality, offers a panoramic view of the Mediterranean.
Opera Gallery
International young and emerging artists are featured at the Opera Gallery, which exhibits paintings, sculptures, installations, videos, and photography across the media spectrum. The Monaco art gallery’s collection also includes works by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Alexander Calder, and Jean Dubuffet, among other masters.
Maison D’Art Gallery
Old Masters, as well as modern and contemporary art, can be viewed at the Maison D’Art Gallery, which organises many thematic exhibitions. The Modern collection includes works by Henri Matisse, Max Ernst, Salvador Dali, Paul Cezanne, Picasso, Chagall, and Calder, among a host of other masters. In addition, paintings by contemporary artists Pablo Armesto, Holger Epstein, Bosco Sodi, and Jean-Baptiste Leroux are also featured at this spectacular Monaco art destination.
Monaco Modern Art Gallery
The Monaco Modern Art Gallery is a refined destination to peruse a curated selection of fine artworks. This Monaco art gallery primarily showcases work by artists Marcelline Lapouffe and Philippe Pastor, while a regular roster of exhibitions ensures there is always something new to view. Located along world-famous Princesse Grace Avenue, home to some of the principality’s most elegant real estate, the Monaco Modern Art Gallery is a must-visit.
Monaco Fine Arts
Monaco Fine Arts, established in 1976, is a contemporary Monaco art gallery founded by British Formula 1 driver Michael McKee. Since 2013, the bespoke gallery has focused on conceptual art. Under owner Evelina Giannoulidi, the gallery features works by Stavros Panaglotakis, Nick Danziger, Jorge Palacios, and Andrey Skripka, among others.
Galerie Carré Doré
This eclectic Monaco art gallery is known for its multicultural works by artists from 120 countries. It specialises in urban art and features paintings and drawings, as well as showcases hi-tech presentations and even fashion shows. Among the artists whose works are exhibited are Francesco Rogerro, known for his experiments with colours and patterns, and Sasha Torriso’s Pop Art-inspired pieces.
International Monaco art fair
In addition to its varied and extraordinary galleries, the principality also hosts art3f, an international contemporary Monaco art fair typically held every August. During the event, it’s possible to meet many of the painters, ceramists, sculptors, and photographers, and to mix and mingle at the venue’s restaurant/terrace.
For those who truly want to take in the variety of exceptional art that Monaco offers, the best way is to own property in the principality for year-round pleasure. Buy a Monaco apartment and experience the fine art of living in style on the French Riviera.
Photo Credit : Anna Petrika
