The Museums Of Monaco

The principality of Monaco is an independent city-state located in the French Riviera. It borders France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea at the remaining side. Monaco occupies a land area of 0.78 square miles and has a population of 38,400 according to 2016 figures, translating to a population density of 19,009 people per square kilometer. Monaco is the second smallest nation in the world and the most densely populated country.

The history of Monaco dates as far back as the 6th century. The Phocaeans of Massalia founded Monaco, and over time, different communities such as Saracens and Barbarians fought wars to claim its ownership. In 1200, a monk named Francois Grimaldi captured the fortress of Monaco from established Italian settlers. Later on, in the following centuries, the French Revolution had the greatest and significant impact on Monaco. The principality of Monaco thus has a rich history which is well preserved in the numerous Museums found in the country.

Museum Of Old Monaco

The museum preserves objects such as clothing, ceramics, and furniture which showcase the rich history of the country’s past era. Displays depicting early days and scenes enacting the day to day life of historical Monaco can be observed in the museum which is also dedicated to the preservation of civil and religious traditions. Museum of Old Monaco also preserves aspects of the Monegasque language and heritage. The museum is located in Monaco- Ville and members of the public can access it for free.

Monaco Top Car Collections Museum

The museum’s history dates back to the 1950s when Prince Rainier III, a car enthusiast, began a personal car collection of old vehicles. In 1993, the Monaco Top Car Collections Museum was opened to the public to display a collection of old models of cars. The museum has a collection of vintage and classic cars running to hundreds that were made in the US and Europe. Among the collections include the Bugatti type 35 that won the 1929 Monaco Grand Prix, and was driven by William Grover. The museum is located in Les Terrasses de Fontvieille and houses close to hundreds of old models that date back to 1900. It is open to the public seven days a week from 10 am to 6 pm and a small fee is required.

Museum Of The Chapel Of Visitation

The chapel is located in Monaco-Ville and houses a rich collection of religious art from Italian, Spanish and Flemish masters. The museum by itself is a work of art as the piece of architecture that dates back to the 17th century. Some of the great masterpieces on display include artwork by Ruben, Ribera, and Zurbaran. The museum is open to the public for free, and a tour lasts 20 minutes.

Oceanographic Museum

The museum was initially designed as a palace. The impressive architecture rises from a cliffside rock and was opened in 1910 by Prince Albert I as a museum of marine sciences. It is dedicated to teaching visitors about the oceans, and the museum is part of the Oceanographic Institute. In addition to aquarium collections located in the basement of the museum, it houses contemporary art and hosts major art exhibitions from time to time. The museum is found in Monaco-Ville and can be accessed at a fee, and it opens daily from 10.00am to 6.00am.

Monaco Naval Museum

The naval museum is located in Les Terrasses de Fontvieille in Monaco and displays a rich history of hundreds of marine objects, yachts, oceanographic instruments, and models of ships. Some of the naval pieces are personal collections of Prince Rainer III of Monaco. It is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and a fee is required to enter it.