In just two and a half years, the Principality’s congress and cultural centre will increase its exhibition capacity by 50 percent, with 6,000 square metres of additional space. Connected to the rest of the building by a direct link to the Diaghilev exhibition hall, access to this extension will also be via an independent external entrance on the seaward side.
Versatile and modular, these new spaces will be divided into three zones: Starting from the existing hall, the new Diaghilev Gallery and its 1,031 m2 will be able to accommodate nearly 370 m2 of net space for stands; Alongside the current building, on the seaward side, the Carré and the Patio Rooms will enjoy plenty of natural daylight.
Over a total surface area of 1,453 m2, they will be able to accommodate nearly 670 m2 of net space for stands or be divided into up to 8 meeting rooms of 376 PAX in theatre style; The Pinède Hall of 3,180 square meters completes this new offer, with a capacity of up to 1,320 m2 of net space for stands in an exhibition configuration, up to 10 modular meeting rooms each accommodating 80 people in a theatre style, or a sit-down dinner for up to 1,650 people in for catering.
In order to take full advantage of the Principality’s exceptional location and its 300 days of sunshine per year, 2,000 m2 of outdoor space will also be created: This will comprise: The new Indigo terrace: 100 square metres; The Emeraude Forecourt (where the extension’s independent entrance will be located): 610 m2; The Patio: 335 m2; The Ravel terrace, with a view of the open sea: 585 m2; and the covered Patio: 375 m2.
More indoor space
Expanding from a total usable surface area of 35,000 m2 to 41,000 m2, the cultural and congress centre, which already hosts an average of 100 events and 250,000 visitors per year, will be more attractive than ever, hosting larger events and combining more events simultaneously. Thanks to an ever-increasing number of flexible facilities, the Grimaldi Forum proposes more original event formats, providing a significant asset to boost the attractiveness of Monaco as a destination.
With Mareterra, the eco-district project currently under construction and in which this extension is being built, the entire environment of the Grimaldi Forum Monaco will offer a new dimension.
This eco-district project will offer housing, a car park, shops, restaurants, a pine tree forest and a marina. Answering to very strict environmental requirements, it is part of the Principality’s objective to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
A part of the electricity powered by 1,500 photovoltaic modules, installed on its roof since 2019, allows the Grimaldi Forum to supply energy to the surrounding buildings and this new district. It is therefore quite natural that the congress and cultural centre of the Principality – certified ISO 14001 since 2008 – is part of this ambitious project.
Moreover, enriched with new shops and restaurants, the recent renovation of the nearby Larvotto beach area is an additional asset that will enable congress participants to enjoy all the services close to their congress centre.
MAIN PHOTO: MareTerra2021_©Principauté de Monaco – SAM Anse du Portier – Valode&Pistre Architectes – Renzo Piano Building Workshop – Michel Desvigne Paysagiste