Théâtre Princesse Grace

You are on Avenue d’Ostende, between La Condamine and Monte-Carlo, in front of the Théâtre Princesse Grace. Its discreet façade hides a long history. In the early 1930s the Société des Bains de Mer wanted a stage other than the Salle Garnier. It built an Art Deco theatre here, opened in 1932 as the Théâtre des Beaux-Arts, with a cinema and a theatre hall. In 1935 Charlie Chaplin premiered "City Lights" here. Madeleine Renaud and Edwige Feuillère later trod these boards, as did Édith Piaf and Maurice Chevalier. In the late 1970s Princess Grace, a former actress, oversaw its restoration: decoration, acoustics, artists’ dressing rooms. On 17 December 1981 Prince Rainier III and the Princess inaugurated the renovated theatre, which took her name. Now chaired by Princess Stéphanie, it welcomes established actors and young talent. If you pass by in the evening, glance at the poster: the hall still lives to the rhythm of the rising curtain.

History

In the early 1930s Monaco’s cultural life was largely centred on the Salle Garnier. To broaden it, the Société des Bains de Mer built a new theatre at number 12, Avenue d’Ostende, on the border between La Condamine and Monte-Carlo. Opened in 1932 as the Théâtre des Beaux-Arts, it combined a cinema and a theatre hall.

Its management was first entrusted to René Blum, a figure of Monaco’s cultural life also linked to the Ballets de Monte-Carlo. His programming gave a large place to English-speaking artists and productions. From 1936, under Marcel Sablon, the theatre turned more towards the classic and contemporary French repertoire.

In the late 1970s the theatre was restored under the supervision of Princess Grace. On 17 December 1981 Prince Rainier III and the Princess inaugurated the renovated venue, renamed after her. It is now chaired by her daughter, Princess Stéphanie.

Art and architecture

The building is in the Art Deco style, a movement of the 1920s and 1930s fond of clean lines and geometry. Its façade remains sober and fits into the alignment of Avenue d’Ostende, which runs down towards the harbour.

The restoration wanted by Princess Grace covered the interior decoration, the acoustics and the artists’ areas, especially the dressing rooms. According to English Wikipedia, she designed the interior decoration herself: the eye of a former actress, attentive to the comfort of those who go on stage.

Anecdotes

In 1935 Charlie Chaplin premiered "City Lights" here. In the following years the stage welcomed actors such as Jean Worms, Madeleine Renaud and Edwige Feuillère, in plays by Sacha Guitry, Louis Verneuil or Marcel Pagnol. French song had its place too, with Édith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier and Marcel Mouloudji.

Before becoming Princess of Monaco in 1956, Grace Kelly had an acting career in Hollywood. Giving her name to a theatre she had helped restore therefore makes perfect sense. In 2011 the princely family celebrated the theatre’s 30th anniversary under its new name.

What to look for

Stop in front of the façade and look for the Princess’s name. Check the posters: the programme mixes theatre, talks and illusion shows during the Monte-Carlo Magic Stars festival. Every 4 years the theatre also hosts the Mondial du théâtre amateur, which brings together companies from many countries. In the evening, as the audience arrives, Avenue d’Ostende regains the cheerful bustle of a night out at the theatre, as in the days of the Beaux-Arts.

Practical

The theatre is not a monument open for daytime visits: it opens its doors on performance evenings. The programme, tickets and practical information are on the official website tpgmonaco.mc. From Place Sainte-Dévote or the harbour, allow about 5 to 10 minutes on foot.

Nearby

Then walk up to the Casino gardens and the Monte-Carlo Opera, the Principality’s other great stage, or head back down to Port Hercule. The theatre’s official website presents the current season.

Test yourself

Sources

• Wikipédia : Théâtre Princesse-Grace
• Wikipedia: Théâtre Princesse Grace
• Théâtre Princesse Grace (site officiel)
• Wikipédia : René Blum

Information checked on 30 September 2026.