Monaco strengthens its cultural appeal with 3 new venues

Exotic Garden set to reopen

High above the Mediterranean, the Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique de Monaco)—famed as the world’s largest succulent rock garden—is preparing to welcome back visitors next October.

Closed for extensive safety and restoration work on the cliffside site, the 1933 landmark will once again showcase its collection of nearly 1,000 cacti and succulents alongside sweeping views of the Riviera. The renovation promises to restore the garden’s original grandeur. New pathways, pergolas, the pond, gazebos and bridges have been renovated. The irrigation and rainwater drainage systems have also been modernized, as well as the lighting in the garden’s walkways to allow for more eco-responsible and reasoned management of the site. The signage was also redesigned to better welcome its visitors.

Ilôt Pasteur, new hub of cultural institutions

This coming September 2025, Monaco’s cultural calendar will expand with the inauguration of a new, high-tech performance venue. The redesigned Espace Léo Ferré at îlot Pasteur will feature cutting-edge audiovisual technology and an integrated recording studio. It will turn it into a hub for both international stars and local talent. From concerts and conferences to civic celebrations such as National Day, the new facility is expected to become a centerpiece of cultural life in the Principality.

A New Chapter for the Caroline Media Library
Also taking shape at îlot Pasteur is the Médiathèque Caroline. The 2,000-sqm cultural facility honors Princess Caroline of Hanover, a longtime patron of the arts. Scheduled to open by the end of 2025, the media library will include 1,200 square meters of public space, a modular auditorium for events. It will offer free membership for all—a policy introduced in January 2025. Mayor Georges Marsan says the initiative reflects Monaco’s commitment to ensuring culture and education remain accessible to residents and visitors alike.

La Condamine Market gets a gourmet makeover

The beloved La Condamine market, long a gathering place for locals, will close in January 2026 for a complete modernization. While the work will temporarily halt its daily bustle, officials say the overhaul aims to retain the market’s convivial spirit while improving comfort for vendors and visitors. A more spacious, modern, and welcoming “Halle Gourmande” will reopen in early 2027. During the renovation, Place d’Armes will continue to host Monaco’s annual Christmas market, ensuring a touch of tradition remains intact.

Together, these four ambitious projects signal Monaco’s determination to blend tradition with modernity, reinforcing its reputation as a vibrant cultural and tourism destination.