Imagine the history of Monaco locked away in mysterious vaults, accessible only to a select few. Well, that’s all changing! Monday, June 16, 2025, dawned a new day for the Principality’s rich heritage. Prince Albert II personally cut the ribbon, opening the doors to the Directorate of the National Archives of Monaco in its gleaming, new premises in Fontvieille. The event, attended by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with numerous high-ranking officials, witnessed the birth of something truly special.
Where a nation’s memory is kept: The birth of a national archive!
This isn’t just another building inauguration; it’s a turning point! Monaco, by royal decree on May 16, has finally established its National Archives – an institution dedicated to preserving the country’s memory for future generations. The former Central Archives Service has evolved, transformed into the Government Archives Service, and is now part of this new, comprehensive Directorate, under the watchful eye of the Ministry of State. This is the result of four years of dedicated work, devoted to meticulously caring for every paper, every secret, every story that makes Monaco what it is.
Stories from the past: From rulers to residents
It’s fascinating to know that until 1911, the ruler and the state were one and the same, so their archives were inextricably linked. That’s why many ancient documents – true historical gems – still rest in the Archives of the Prince’s Palace, established back in 1881, where records of rulers, the royal family, and the palace itself are carefully preserved.
But the new National Archives are changing the game. Under the authority of the Minister of State, they are home to a significant part of Monaco’s heritage. What does that mean for you? Well, if you’re a Monegasque citizen, a resident, a historian, a researcher, or even just a curious genealogist, you’ll now have access to this precious information (of course, what’s publicly available!). The Monaco digital archive task is to collect, preserve, process, and share these public and private funds, even helping to modernize archival practices throughout the Principality. Think of it as a super-guardian of all Monegasque secrets, but one that wants to share them with the world!
Open doors to history: A new home and a digital gateway!
The National Archives are conceived as a “common house” – a safe haven for all institutions (especially public ones) that wish to entrust their historical documents for secure preservation and presentation. With 500 square meters of completely renovated space in Fontvieille, the Archives now have everything they need.
Numerous agreements have already been signed with public bodies, and many more are expected over the summer. In addition to the two elegant reading rooms in Fontvieille and the Ministry of State (which you can visit by appointment), the Archives launched something revolutionary on June 16: their brand new website! You’ll find a national portal with standardized inventories, digitized archives, virtual exhibitions, and a wealth of fascinating stories.
Your virtual journey through time
This portal is like a time machine – it’s also open to other entities that want to showcase their archives of public interest. For example, municipal archives or private funds from the Monaco Municipal Mediatheque – their inventories are already available online!
This new digital platform is not just convenient; it’s crucial for unlocking Monaco’s rich historical and cultural heritage. More than ever, the Principality’s past is becoming accessible to everyone, strengthening collective memory and deepening our understanding of this unique place.
