The Prince’s Palace of Monaco has officially reopened its doors following extensive renovations, the first time the public can view Prince Albert II’s official residence since 2015.
The Prince’s Palace dates back to 1215, when it was a fortress, and soon after became the official residence of the Grimaldis once they took over Monaco in the 13th and 14th centuries. Over time, the architecture and design of the palace were influenced by the Italian renaissance, a design decision that continues to this day.
The Prince’s Palace website states: “Five years ago, H.S.H. Prince Albert II decided to carry out a major restoration of the palace’s exterior and interior painted decorations, as well as to renew the presentation of the public visitor circuit, usually open from April to October. The approach taken by the restoration team is intended to respect both the environment and the integrity of the historical heritage. For the public, a new look inside the palace should be possible from spring 2022 onwards.”
According to Hello Monaco, the renovations have unearthed previously unseen artwork, frescoes, and a golden bust of Albert II. The frescoes, the website notes, were unearthed by scraping off varnish with scalpels, which has “magically brought out bold and pure colours announcing the frescoes of the Italian Renaissance.”
The new frescoes cover 600 square metres in length, and the Prince’s State Apartments have been totally revamped with new artwork from the Prince’s private collection.
The Prince’s Palace also boasts a zoological garden that was founded by the late Prince Rainier III in 1954—housing around 300 animals of at least 60 different species and a car collection of at least 100 cars belonging to Prince Rainier III as well.
The Prince’s Palace remains the official home of Prince Albert, Princess Charlene and their children, Princess Gabriella and Hereditary Prince Jacques.