If you fancy a day of culture in Monaco, then why not visit some of the principality’s fascinating museums? Amongst one of the top things to do in Monaco, Monaco’s museums offer an educational experience for all. Of course, at present the COVID-19 outbreak requires us all to stay home and stay safe, so we have also included a couple of digital cultural experiences.
Here are five of the best Monaco museums to enjoy
Monaco Top Cars Collection
Petrol heads and car enthusiasts will revel in the Monaco Top Cars Collection, a Monaco museum packed with rare and historic cars in the Fontvieille district. Displayed over five levels, the cars are the personal collection of the now deceased Prince Rainier III, painstakingly collected over a period of some 30 years.
One of the highlights of this Monaco museum is an exceptionally rare Bugatti Type 35, which was driven by William Grover-Williams when he won the inaugural Monaco Grand Prix in 1929.
Oceanographic Museum
Built on the edge of Monaco’s legendary Rocher that plunges directly into the Mediterranean Sea, this Monaco museum pays homage to the world’s oceans and its abundance of marine life. Founded by Prince Albert II, this spectacular museum is one of the top things to do in Monaco and is renowned throughout the world for its expertise in the marine world.
Home to more than 6,000 specimens and spanning some 6,500 square meters, this Monaco museum boasts a plethora of things to see and do. Marvel at exotic sea creatures including piranhas, sea horses, and jellyfish, come face-to-face with the ocean’s most feared predators, or view a diverse array of marine world curiosities, from fossils to diving gear.
While Monaco is in lockdown, you can also enjoy a virtual tour of the museum and its sealife. Plus, head to their Instagram page for Q&As with marine experts or check out their website to print out fact sheets or colouring pages featuring your children’s favourite sea animals.
Museum of Stamps and Coins
Philatelists will delight in this Monaco museum that is filled with a dazzling array of rare stamps and philatelic documents. Located in the district of Fontivielle, the museum also contains a fascinating display of Monegasque money dating back to 1640. At The Museum of Stamps and Coins visitors will also find a well-stocked gift shop which sells a selection of coins and stamps, as well as a range of souvenirs.
New National Museum of Monaco
This Monaco museum showcases a selection of contemporary visual art. The museum has two locations, Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber, the latter of which is a destination unto itself as one of the last Belle Epoque villas in the principality. The museum features a changing roster of exhibitions throughout the year at its two locations, making it a top thing to do in Monaco, especially with art enthusiasts.
While at home, you can still enjoy and engage with the beautiful artworks here, with online family workshops released regularly and quizzes and in-depth descriptions of the art found on their Instagram page.
The Sculpture Path
A Monaco museum with a difference, the Sculpture Path allows museum goers to stretch their legs in the great outdoors and is one of the most popular things to do in Monaco with art enthusiasts. Featuring some 100 sculptures spread across the principality, The Sculpture Path features works by internationally renowned artists. Some of the most popular sculptures include The Fist by Cesar, and Adam & Eve by Boero. The majority of the artworks are in the district of Fontvieille, where a pedestrian walkway has been created.
If you fancy visiting one of these splendid Monaco museums in person once the lockdown is over, then you might be wondering how to get to Monaco. Monaco has excellent transport links, by both air, road, and rail, ensuring discovering the very best things to do in Monaco is effortless. In the meantime, check out some digital culture and stay safe!
