T he Principality of Monaco is a glittering jewel on the Côte d’Azur, facing the Mediterranean to the south, France to its west, Italy to the east. Within its elegantly compact corners, sit densely rolling hills and a neat headland and some of the world’s most glamorous residents and guests who have for decades, made Monaco famous for its beaches, boating, auto races, nightlife and the world-famous Place du Casino.
But for those who seek out the finer things in life - fine art, rare jewels and covetable accessories - there is much more waiting to be discovered within Monaco. At the city’s Sotheby’s headquarters, Monegasque clients enjoy a curated programme of world-class art and luxury exhibitions and sales over the course of the year. And this activity comes to the fore during summer, when in July, Monaco Art Week brings a citywide celebration of arts and culture to the fore, in a dazzling jamboree of delights and diversions. Let’s take a stroll through the city to explore Chagall at Sotheby's Monaco galleries, stopping off at the Grimaldi Forum where Sotheby’s is co-presenting an exhibition of Monet paintings, a pitstop at the Fondation Maeght, before the Director of Sotheby’s Monaco Louise Grether shares her little black book of Monaco hotspots with us - ideal for a lazy, summer’s day and evening of fine art and culture, drinks, dining and sightseeing in the Principality.
Sotheby's Monaco: Marc Chagall, Rêves de Couleur
From 3 July to 15 September, Sotheby’s Monaco is showing an exhibition of 21 works by Marc Chagall, exploring the artist’s last three decades, which were spent in the South of France.
The artist’s life-long love affair with the South of France sparked a profusion of joyful imagery and rich colour palettes that enriched the figures that populate Chagall’s beguiling dreamworlds. From the moment he arrived in Vence in 1949, Chagall was captivated by the Mediterranean light, later choosing to settle permanently in Saint-Paul de Vence from 1966 to 1985, having divided his time between Russia and France.
In these works, all of Chagall’s favourite themes are beautifully evoked - from the embracing couple and the blooming bouquet of flowers to the appearance of the moon and the donkey - whilst being imbued with light and visibility brightened with the influence of the picturesque peninsula and aquatic landscape.
Monaco Art Week
Within Monaco, one can find a thriving arts scene. This comes as a surprise to some visitors, especially first-timers, unaware of the city’s tapestry of artists, designers, collectors, and museums spread across the territory. To bring as many of these creative individuals and institutions together for a curated week of events and exhibitions, Monaco Art Week is the perfect opportunity to take a deep dive into the colourful diversity of this unique region’s cultural offerings.
Monaco Art Week from 4th until 8th July (inclusive)
artmonte-carlo from 7th until 9th July at the Grimaldi Forum
Fondation Maeght: Jean Paul Riopelle - Essence of studios
In the summer of 2023, the Fondation Marguerite et Aimé Maeght will present a monographic exhibition dedicated to the great artist Jean Paul Riopelle as part of “Riopelle 100”, the centenary of his birth. Under the High Patronage of Mr. Stéphane Dion, Ambassador of Canada to FranceThe exhibition will show Riopelle’s work as it has never been seen before – abstract and figurative painting, sculpture, ceramics, tapestry, engraving – thanks to numerous exclusive loans and the curatorship of his daughter, Yseult Riopelle. This exhibition at the Fondation is the occasion for a special summer programme: concerts, film screenings on Jean Paul Riopelle, and the great return of dance to the Fondation with Noé Soulier’s “Passages” in sets that Riopelle had imagined for Merce Cunningham in 1967.
1 July - 12 November 2023
The Grimaldi Forum: Monet in Full Light
In 1883, Claude Monet made his first trip to Monte Carlo and the Riviera, with his friend Pierre-Auguste Renoir. This visit so enamoured him with the region, he returned alone in 1884 and again in 1888.
Across Monte-Carlo, Roquebrune, Bordighera and Antibes, Monet pursued his obsessive quest to capture light. During his final stay in Antibes in 1888, he envisioned his famous series of paintings from the Salis beach, the fort of Antibes, seen across the changing seasons.
This exhibition follows Monet's work on the Riviera, at a pivotal moment in his life. The exhibition includes nearly 100 paintings from all over the world, including masterpieces hitherto rarely shown together - including one work that has never been seen before - and will offer audiences a thrilling new perspective on the Master's work.
Curator Marianne Mathieu invites the visitor to approach Claude Monet's work through the prism of light. ‘Let's not ask what Monet paints, but rather when he paints it. Let's not look for a motif, but for a moment.’
Mathieu describes the journey to realising the exhibition as being a joyous, revelatory experience. 'We worked with archives, with photos at the end of this long study, we really understood where he went, where he put his easel and how he reacted to the landscape.' Mathiew states that Monet's trip to Monte Carlo in 1883 was pivotal - as it marked the moment when the artist established himself as a pure soloist. 'Before then, he was a member of the Impressist group and he painted in the countryside with friends, easel by easel,' she says. 'But in Monaco from 1883, it was a time for him to start working along, he was saying, “Now I want to describe only my own impression”. It was a new way of working for him. He had been looking for wonderful landscapes for 48 years, but now, he realised he didn’t have to move, he had to choose good subjects and then depict them.'
The Sotheby's Guide To A Monaco Summer's Day
To give first timers to Monaco - or even old hands, in search of some fresh inspiration, Sotheby’s Head of Monaco, Louise Grether reveals her favourite haunts throughout the city.
Where To Stay:
Maybourne Riviera Hotel (formerly Vista Palace)
'Perched high above Monaco, so do make sure you don’t miss the stunning views from this iconic residence. Enjoy a refreshing aperitivo from the terrace, admiring the exceptional view or a delicious lunch by the pool or ground floor restaurant. They also have a private ‘beach’ in Roquebrune, Cap Martin, that is worth visiting.’
Monte Carlo Beach Hotel
‘This is luxury and glamour at its best. Eat at ‘Le Deck’ overlooking the Beach Club swimming pool or dine at ‘La Vigie’, at the end of the peninsula – one of the best spots in Monaco. Their new bar ‘Maona’ opens on 4 July'
Where to Eat:
‘I usually go to La Pecherie U Luvassu for delicious, freshly-caught fish in a quiet area of the port, bang in front of the iconic Monaco Yacht Club on the Quai Hirondelle. For a vibrant nighttime atmosphere, head to Larvotto where the best restaurants include Marco and Giacomo at opposing ends. Meanwhile, a for a more relaxed vibe, La Note Bleu and Miami Plage are local institutions.
Place d’Armes market in the Condamine is a must-see for their fruit and vegetable market every morning until midday and lively local ambiance. The new Norma restaurant on the top level is fantastic for fresh and delicious Italian food. Em Sherif in the Hotel de Paris for authentic Lebanese food in a beautiful tranquil setting on their terrace. Head to Caposushi or Niwaki for the best sushi in town, whilst lovers of Italian cuisine will adore La Piazza, for delicious homemade Italian food.
If I'm looking for a coffee or light lunch, I'd visit Flashmans or Cova (Avenue Princess Grace or Boulevard des Moulins) for Italian coffee - or our team's favouite, Casa del Café bang opposite the Sotheby’s Monaco office!
A Scenic Walk
If you've slightly overindulged in Monaco's fine dining and nightlife, the perfect solution is a scenic stroll. Louise Grether's favourite routes starts at the Cap d’Ail beach and continues along the coastal sea path towards La Mala beach. 'The best time is early morning or evening.,' she recommends. 'Walk up to the "rock" from Place d’Armes to admire the Prince’s Palace and gardens. And don’t miss the Oceanographic Museum and stunning 360 panoramic views!'
