In the 17th century there was an enormous cultural development in Monaco. The originator was Prince Honoré III, who will be an example for Prince Rainier III.
Cultural associations
Prince Pierre Foundation It's an association, which was founded in 1966 by Prince Rainier III. At this time Princess Caroline is the leader of this association, because she shows much interest in writing and many other sorts of art. The association was founded to stimulate culture and contains three different parts. The first part is The Great Literary Prize, which was founded in 1951. The second part is the Prince Rainier III prize. It's a prize, which is given for compositions of music. The last part is an international prize for arts, which was founded in 1965.
Monaco's cultural foreign delegations
The Monte Carlo Ballet After the founding of an academy for ballet, Princess Caroline chose a leader for the group. Serge Lifar and J.B. Cerrone had to take care that the ballet in Monaco was constructed. After a few years Princes Caroline founded the new Monte Carlo Ballet. With their enthusiasm they bring the state to a higher level.
The Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra This was the first permanent orchestra, which was founded in 1863. In 1953 the orchestra was called: "National Orchestra of the Monte Carlo Opera House". In 1979 the orchestra was called "Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra". The orchestra contains 87 people, who are used with great symphonic and ballet appearances. Famous conductors such as Richard Strauss and Leonard Bernstein have conducted the orchestra.
Cultural areas
The Princess Grace Theatre The Theatre was opened in 1936. Princess Grace designed all the decorations in the hall. The hall was re-opened in 1981. The theatre is very popular because they have a very varied program so there is something to see for everybody.
The Monte Carlo Opera The Monte Carlo Opera has been settled in the Garnier Hall since 1892, which is called after the designer who had designed the hall. In the Garnier Hall Monaco experienced her greatest moments in the history of dancing. The productions that are made by the Monte Carlo Opera are good and the audience consisting of 524 people provide a special atmosphere.
The Congress Centre The Congress Centre is used for many different purposes, such as: tv-shows and recordings of symphonic orchestras. The centre also contains a culture and exhibition hall with a surface of 4700 mē.
The Fontvieille area The Fontvieille area is annually used by the International Circus Festival. Every year you can see wonderful acts, which are performed by different circuses. One circus can contain up to 4000 people.
Important dates in the annual culture calendar
The Monte Carlo International Circus Festival In the first week of February the International Circus Festival will take place in Monaco. In 1974 Prins Rainier organised this Festival for the first time. Three nights long the greatest circuses from the world will show their best acts to an expert jury.
The Monte Carlo Television Festival In the second week of February there is the Monte Carlo Television Festival. During this festival the most varied and complete facets the modern television are shown.
The International Fireworks Festival The International Fireworks Festival has taken place since 1966 in the months July and August.