Imagine the dazzling allure of the Monte Carlo Casino, and in its heart, a cultural gem – the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. This opera house isn’t just part of the famous casino; it’s a witness to the rich history of the Principality of Monaco.
In an era when Monaco lacked cultural life, back in the 1870s, the visionary Prince Charles III had a bold idea. Together with the influential Société des bains de mer, he decided to create an oasis of art within the casino – a concert hall. And so, in 1879, the legendary Salle Garnier was born, a masterpiece by the architect Charles Garnier, the man who also gifted the world the magnificent Paris Opera.
Although more modest in size with 524 seats, the Salle Garnier sprang up in just eight and a half months, gleaming with a lavish style that irresistibly echoes its Parisian “sister.” Interestingly, many of the same artists worked on both of these iconic buildings!
What began as a concert hall soon became the epicenter of operatic art in Monaco. By the end of the 19th century, it underwent a transformation at the hands of Henri Schmit, adapting to the enchantment of opera performances.
Throughout its rich, 130-year history, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo has been transformed three times into a fairytale setting for spectacular gala dinners. The first time, in 1966, when Grace Kelly and Rainier III hosted the world for the centenary of Monte Carlo. The second time, for the wedding of the century – the royal wedding of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. And the third time, in 2013, when it hosted the Naked Heart Foundation’s charity “Love Ball.”
Get a glimpse of the thrilling 2025/2026 season
And now, prepare for new enchantment! The 2025/2026 season of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo invites you to immerse yourself in the world of the timeless power of the female figure and enigmatic myths.
Masterpieces of operatic literature await you: Richard Wagner’s passionate “The Flying Dutchman,” an emotional tribute to the legendary Josephine Baker, and Verdi’s unforgettable “Aida.” But that’s not all! The season also brings new interpretations of classics such as Wagner’s “Die Walküre,” Mozart’s captivating “Così fan tutte” (in collaboration with the Vienna State Opera!), and Verdi’s dramatic “Il Trovatore.”
Special attention is drawn to new productions, including Debussy’s mystical opera “Pelléas et Mélisande” and Gluck’s graceful “Orfeo ed Euridice”.
After the unforgettable success of “The Phantom of the Opera,” this popular musical remains part of the repertoire, and the end of the year will be marked by the magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber and his “Cats”!
And as the grand finale, in 2026, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the extraordinary orchestra Les Musiciens du Prince – Monaco with a series of spectacular concerts throughout Europe.
The Opéra de Monte-Carlo eagerly awaits the opportunity to open its doors to you and take you on an unforgettable journey through the world of music and drama!
