By Lana Katsaros, to Museum Spotlight Europe (February 2024)
A Symphony of Engineering and Design
Nestled away between docked yachts and the Monaco Grand Prix track is the prestigious collection of Prince Rainier III’s vintage automobiles. With passersby walking above, and the water gently rippling across the way at Hercules Port, the entrance to the Collection de voitures de S.A.S le Prince de Monaco can easily be missed. Once you spot the entrance, a €10 cover will get you into the recently erected building designed by the French architect, Jean Nouvel.
The Prince’s collection was moved to this unique location in 2022. The new state-of-the-art facility is located in the La Condamine district of Monaco and includes temperature-controlled galleries, a restoration workshop, and a research library.
Architect Jean Nouvel’s sensitive approach to the surrounding environment marries Monaco’s passion for cars and luxury standards. Nouvel’s design for the museum is a symphony of form, function, and sustainability that was guided by a deep respect for the collection’s value as a historical and cultural asset. Each car receives its own platform where guests can have a 360 degree view seamlessly. It’s the details like this which harmonize form and function and make the design standout.
A Legacy of Passion and Preservation
Building his car collection since the 1950’s, Prince Rainier III of Monaco had accomplished one of the world’s largest personal collections before his passing in April 2005. The collection includes a wide variety of automobiles, from Formula 1 racers to luxury coupes to classic roadsters. With about 100 cars on display, the Prince’s family continues to add to the collection and they also occasionally sell cars from the collection to make room for new acquisitions. Those keen on Monaco’s automotive history like to think of the museum as more of a monument to automotive heritage than simply a museum.
When entering the museum, one can tell right away that much thought was put into not only the cars and how they are displayed, but the experience guests are intended to have. The stunning interior seamlessly blends modern architecture with the elegance and grandeur of classic cars.
The museum’s ambiance is carefully curated to create a sense of reverence and admiration for the vehicles on display. The lighting is carefully controlled to highlight the cars’ intricate details and rich finishes, while the temperature is maintained at a perfect level to protect these precious artifacts while the interior curves mimic the cars themselves.
Over the two pristine floors of flawless automobiles, one can admire each display and marvel at the variety of the collection. From an antique propeller car to more modern and sporty cars, the full collection can take about an hour to thoroughly learn about each vehicle and interact with the displays.
The museum is divided into three main sections: Formula 1, Sports Cars, and Grand Touring Cars with some surprises sprinkled in.The Formula 1 section features some of the most iconic cars from the history of Formula 1, including cars driven by legends like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Michael Schumacher. The Sports Cars section features a variety of sports cars from different eras, including Porsches, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis. The Grand Touring Cars section features luxury coupes and sedans from brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Aston Martin.
The collection flow in consecutive order and begins with a 1903 De Dion Bouton, the first car Prince Rainier ever bought, and includes notable vehicles like The Bugatti in the first Monaco Grand Prix, Princess Grace’s British taxi cab, an adorable 1960 Isetta, a competition fitted Renault 4CV, and over half a dozen Formula 1 cars.
For those interested in the Prince’s relationship with Grace Kelly, the Chrysler Imperial he shipped from the United States to welcome Grace Kelly to Monaco in 1956 (and was also used a few days later at their wedding) is on display. The last car purchased by the Prince was a Bugatti Veyron in 2005, the year he passed.
Witnessing the Art of Preservation
A unique and captivating feature of the museum is its restoration workshop, where visitors can observe firsthand the meticulous process of restoring these beloved automobiles to their former glory. The museum’s restoration workshop offers a unique glimpse into the meticulous process of preserving these varied automobiles. Experts work tirelessly to restore each vehicle to its former glory, meticulously cleaning, repairing, and repainting them to their original splendor. Visitors can gain insight into the techniques and dedication required to safeguard these automotive heritage pieces.
A Modern Touch: Interactive Displays and Multimedia Presentations
The collection’s new home is clearly a modern sanctuary, but it’s not just the building’s aesthetic that ushers these automobiles into the new age of technology; it is the interactive experiences and immersive exhibits that truly bring the collection to life.
As visitors step into the museum’s spacious galleries, they are greeted by a symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations come alive, illuminating the history, engineering, and cultural impact of these iconic vehicles. These interactive elements use a variety of media, such as touchscreens, videos, and simulations to engage visitors and make the learning process more interactive. Large video screens play behind many of the cars, bringing life to every angle of the museum.
Museum goers become active participants with one of the most unique interactive experiences at the museum: virtual reality. Visitors can put on virtual reality headsets and experience what it was like to drive some of the cars on display. This immersive experience allows visitors to feel the power and speed of these iconic vehicles and get a sense of the history and heritage behind them.
Beyond the Museum Walls
The museum experience itself can be extended easily by those willing to venture just a little bit outside its walls. Just inches from the museum is a stretch of the Monaco Grand Prix racetrack and the Automobile Club of Monaco, further proving Monaco is a world-renowned center for automotive culture.
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious and challenging races in Formula One, held annually in the Principality of Monaco. The course, which is located entirely within the city of Monaco, is a tight and twisty street circuit that is renowned for its narrow and unforgiving corners and challenges. The track is approximately 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers) long and consists of 19 corners, including the famous hairpin at Sainte Dévote, the uphill climb to Casino Square, and the descent through the Tunnel. The track is also known for its narrow and winding sections, such as the Nouvelle Chicane and the Piscine, which require drivers to be precise and consistent in their maneuvers. It’s fitting that the Prince’s collection neighbors such an iconic piece of Monaco’s automotive story.
A True Treasure in Monaco
The Collection de voitures de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco is more than just a museum; it is a sanctuary for automotive enthusiasts, a treasure trove of historical artifacts, and a testament to the enduring passion for cars that has inspired generations. It is a place to immerse oneself in the captivating world of automobiles, to learn from the past, and to appreciate the advancements that continue to shape our future.
The Museum stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy of automobiles and the passion that drives car enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond its collection of remarkable vehicles, the museum’s architecture, interactive experiences, and restoration workshop create an unparalleled experience for visitors of all ages. It is a place to marvel at the craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural impact of automobiles, while also appreciating the Prince’s unwavering commitment to preserving this automotive heritage for future generations.
For those looking for a more personal experience, guided tours are available.
Cover photo by Collection de voitures de S.A.S le Prince de Monaco
