Founded in 1970 by Princess Grace of Monaco, the festival takes place every year in the spring, over several weekends.
Each edition features more than 500 artists from all walks of life and offers a variety of shows such as symphonies, operas, recitals, performances and dances. In addition, the festival welcomes major orchestras in the Principality’s mythical halls. In total, spectators can enjoy around thirty artists’ performances, seeing both big names in the field, as well as young, up-and-coming talents.
In recent years, the festival has seen a large number of guests. François-Frédéric Guy first played the complete Beethoven sonatas in 2008, then the greatest cellists were brought together for a cello night in 2009. One year later, an alternative night took place at the Parking des Pêcheurs, which ended with a fashion show accompanied by music. In 2011, the festival was transformed into four weekends and hosted not only the whirling dervishes, but also the SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg orchestra. In 2012, Europe’s leading orchestras have been invited to play Bruckner’s symphonies. Among them were: London Symphony Orchestra, Tonhalle Orchester Zürich and Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden.
In 2014, one year after receiving the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, the Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra and the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra conducted by Valery Gergiev, the festival celebrated thirty years of cultural adventures. At that time, there had been thirty editions of the Spring Arts Festival. Following the death of Prince Rainier III, the 2005 edition was cancelled. Since then, Prince Albert and Princess Caroline have continued to defend the cultural vitality of the Principality.
