Monaco Art & Culture: Top 5 Spots You Have To Visit

Monaco, so often linked with fast cars and a certain type of glamour, offers something much richer just waiting for you, almost, a depth of culture that often goes unnoticed. It’s rather more than just a playground for the rich and well-known; Monaco actually has a certain art scene, too, plus lots of historical spots that give a glimpse into its somewhat fascinating past. You like your spots to see Van Goghs to modern sculptures, Monaco actually has art to tickle anyone’s fancy. And by art I mean the performing kind or the kind that’s hung up in a building, the choice is really yours. Let’s jump into what Monaco has to offer!

1. The Opéra de Monte-Carlo: More Than Just a Show

First off, there’s the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, which, by the way, isn’t really just a venue; actually, it’s almost a monument to lavishness and art, apparently. This really fancy building, part of the Monte Carlo Casino, offers the kind of over-the-top glamour that Monaco is so famous for, so in that case, it is very true that if you go to see an opera, a ballet, or even just take a look around, you get, like, the full experience. It was built back in 1879 by Charles Garnier, who was basically the same guy that brought Paris its opera house, which, again, it’s very swanky with amazing acoustics, so in fact you get this combo of seeing art and hearing amazing performances, which actually makes for an unforgettable experience.

Seeing a show here, it really isn’t just about the music, anyway, rather it’s more or less about, like, stepping back in time, too. Every detail, by the way, from the red and gold decor to the chandeliers, is like, very much crafted to really wow you, so actually you just might find yourself staring up more than at the stage, more or less. Getting tickets to a performance is really a special occasion, especially for those, that you know, are very into architecture and the performing things, so naturally don’t be shocked if you find yourself really taken aback by how extra the entire place is, might be.

Read our full review: Opera de Monte-Carlo Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Opera de Monte-Carlo)

2. Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM): A Double Dose of Art

Then you can head to the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM), so it’s, like, two villas for the cost of one, basically. What I mean is that there’s Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber, too it’s almost. Villa Paloma focuses more or less on art that actually has something to do with art, whilst Villa Sauber dives into, like, decorative art from the 18th century until today, so really there’s a choice depending on, like, whatever floats your boat, alright?

Villa Paloma, for instance, has exhibitions with installations that, really, will make you think. Villa Sauber, which actually used to be the home to the Charles Garnier, by the way, displays old dolls and costumes, so in that case, it’s very cool and something that will definitely interest those very into seeing how stuff used to be, alright? These museums, that are really more than just buildings packed with stuff, show off how art has changed over time and give you some insight into Monaco’s own cultural heritage too, which is neat.

Read our full review: Nouveau Musée National de Monaco Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (NMNM)

3. The Prince’s Palace State Apartments: History Up Close

For something really historic, you could swing by The Prince’s Palace State Apartments. So it isn’t really about paintings; still, it actually offers an amazing look into Monaco’s long past. When you walk around, you’re, like, stepping into the lives of those of the Grimaldi family, who apparently have lived there for ages, I want to say centuries. During tours of the palace, that by the way happen at specific times, you will actually see the Blue Room, that apparently is used for state events, plus the Mazarin Room, basically famous for its polychrome wood paneling. These are very luxurious and beautiful.

Seeing The Prince’s Palace is really like flipping through the pages of a history text book, anyway, where, still, instead of just seeing pictures, you get to experience what it must have been like to live there, right? Everything in The Prince’s Palace actually speaks about Monaco’s past, whether it’s the super old frescoes or, arguably, the super lavish furniture, yet a visit here offers a look into how Monaco has remained the same, especially over hundreds of years.

Read our full review: The Prince’s Palace State Apartments Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Prince’s Palace)

4. Monaco Top Cars Collection: A Different Kind of Art

Alright, for folks that are, like, more into speed, you could swing by the Monaco Top Cars Collection. This, really, isn’t a museum like those others. Very it’s more or less a collection of vehicles, gathered by Prince Rainier III, which actually features all types of vehicles, from old timers to rally cars, so you might actually find something here to interest you even if you don’t consider yourself to be a ‘car person’ anyway.

Really seeing the vehicles isn’t just about looking at metal anyway, actually; it’s almost like a dive into the advancement of design, especially from when the automotive sector first started. Every automobile is basically more than just a thing used for transport, because most also represent a moment and Monaco Top Cars Collection basically invites folks, such as yourself, that is that you can basically enjoy them all in the same place, alright? The cars really give a look into design over time, in other words, so in that case they are more than something just get you from one spot to the next, in fact.

Read our full review: Monaco Top Cars Collection Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Top Cars Collection)

5. Jardin Exotique: Plants With a View

And then last but not least, make sure to have a look at the Jardin Exotique. So it isn’t actually a place to find old paintings or sculptures, alright? The botanical gardens give a great view of the region, and, still, it has an extensive gathering of cacti, amongst other things. For those with green fingers this is the one for you.

It is not just somewhere for plants anyway, basically. When you go up there, you get awesome sight of Monaco and the Riviera, and if you were to come at any point in the year, this has, almost, picture opportunities everywhere, right? Furthermore, there is also a prehistoric cave where you get information about its past which actually proves that it is possible to discover the Monaco of way back. A really, very, fine spot which basically brings outdoor stuff along with old finds too!

Read our full review: Jardin Exotique Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Jardin Exotique) top monaco hotels