This September Monaco echoed with traditional melodies and voices of history. Dedicating its 23rd edition of European Heritage Days to music heritage, the country opened 38 heritage sites that celebrate the centuries-long tradition of music performances.

Supervised by the Department of Cultural Affairs and under the coordination of the Institute of Heritage, the event took place on 23rd September. The citizens were welcomed to historic sites such as Grand Apartments and the Library of the Prince’s Palace, Princess Grace Irish Library, Oceanographic Museum, Monaco Top Cars Collection, and many more national treasures of Monaco.

Connecting the art of heritage sharing with music heritage, Monaco has organised a number of joint cultural experiences. The visitors were given free access to some of the most extraordinary cultural spaces of Monaco where guided tours and exhibitions were enhanced with various musical concerts.

Princess Grace Theatre hosted a remarkable all-day heritage event. A photo exhibition, organised by students of Bosio Pavilion School of Fine Arts in cooperation with the Oceanographic Museum, honoured the the work of Louis Tinayre, an official painter of scientific campaigns of Prince Albert I. The visitors could enjoy a guided tour of the Exhibition and the Hall accompanied by the diffusion of sound production created by leading artists and musicians of Monaco.

A similar experience was offered at the impressive Monaco Cathedral, one of the country’s most significant landmarks. On the occasion of European Heritage Days 2018, the cathedral welcomed guests to discover its rich heritage through visual and auditory event. The outstanding Byzantine-style interior of the 19th century building has been brought to life by the organ concert, providing a unique experience for both those interested in architecture, history, and design, and those who enjoy exploring authentic music.

The Town Hall Square also came to life with a fusion of song and dance. U Cantin d'A Roca and the folk group La Palladienne de Monaco offered a spectacular programme of traditional songs and dances which provided valuable insight into another aspect of Monaco’s cultural tradition. Blending entertainment and heritage education, this was just one of the events that demonstrated the fluidity of the concept of heritage.

Presenting heritage as multi-dimensional, entertaining, vivid, and evolving, European Heritage Days 2018 in Monaco encouraged visitors to see their environment in a new light. The intersection of music and built heritage was an excellent way to showcase the universal values that have been connecting Europeans through history.

More information about the event can be found at the official website.

Photo Credits:

Jean-Pierre Debernardi
Société des Bains de mer
Geoffroy Mouflet