Monaco celebrates the 70th anniversary of the "Wedding of the Century" with a unique exhibition

To mark the 70th anniversary of the wedding of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is joining the celebrations organized by the Prince's Palace by hosting an exceptional photographic exhibition in the Atrium of the Monte-Carlo Casino.

Running until September 13, 2026, the exhibition "The Wedding of the Century in Monte-Carlo: April 15 & 18, 1956" invites visitors to relive one of the most iconic events in the Principality's history. Featuring photographs from the Prince's Palace Archives, it highlights key moments from the festivities held at Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer venues during the royal wedding celebrations.
On April 19, 1956-the day after their civil ceremony-Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace were united in a religious ceremony at Monaco Cathedral. Broadcast live via Eurovision and watched by nearly thirty million viewers worldwide, the event went down in history as the "Wedding of the Century," becoming the second most widely covered televised event of its time, surpassed only by the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Seventy years later, the Prince's Palace Archives and the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco are commemorating this anniversary with a special program that includes an exhibition in the Palace's State Apartments, a film-lecture scheduled for July 20 in the Palace's main courtyard, and various other events throughout the Principality.

As part of this initiative, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is presenting an immersive photographic journey designed in collaboration with the scenography studio Walter. Ten large-format vintage photographs immerse visitors in the atmosphere of the April 1956 festivities, notably the dinner-show held on April 15 at the International Sporting Club and the prestigious gala on April 18 at the Salle Garnier of the Monte-Carlo Opera.
The gala evening featured the premiere of the performance *Hommage à la Princesse* (Tribute to the Princess). Dancers from London's Festival Ballet, led by the renowned prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn, performed a piece choreographed by Michael Charnley to music by Stan Kenton, wearing costumes designed by André Levasseur.

The exhibition also highlights the historic ties between the Princely Family and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. In 1976, the cellars of the Hôtel de Paris hosted the celebrations for the Princely Couple's 20th wedding anniversary. More recently, in 2019, the two most prestigious Diamond Suites at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo were named the "Prince Rainier" and "Princess Grace" suites, reflecting a special relationship that has endured since the founding of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer in 1863.

Practical Information
The Wedding of the Century in Monte-Carlo: April 15 & 18, 1956
June 25 to September 13, 2026
Monte-Carlo Casino Atrium
Open daily from 10:00 AM
Free admission.