Monaco’s Stade Louis II is marking its 40th anniversary with a brand new exhibition that shifts the spotlight from bricks and mortar to the people and moments that have defined the venue over the decades. Following the official ceremony in February, which celebrated the stadium’s construction and inauguration, this second event dives into the memories, milestones and firsts that have shaped its legacy.
The stadium’s internal pedestrian street has undergone a complete transformation to host the exhibition. Once a simple passageway, it’s now been reimagined as a warm, inviting gallery space after five weeks of renovations. Fourteen display cases have been installed and handed over to Monégasque sports federations and associations, each offering a unique glimpse into their history through artefacts, archival materials and personal treasures.
Titled “Il était une première fois” – “Once Upon a First Time” – the exhibition tells the story of the stadium through its many pioneering moments. From the first football match to the first concert, the first judo tournament to the first world records in swimming and athletics, visitors are taken on a nostalgic journey through the highs and highlights that have taken place within these walls. Even the first National Day medal ceremony for physical education and sports gets its moment in the spotlight.
With newspaper clippings, old photographs, posters and memorabilia on loan from those who’ve helped shape the stadium’s history, the exhibition doesn’t just recall events – it brings them vividly back to life.
This is more than a celebration of sport. It’s a time-travelling tribute to a venue that has grown into one of Monaco’s most important cultural and institutional landmarks. Open to the public for several months, the exhibition offers a rare and richly detailed look at 40 years of triumphs, transformations and timeless memories.
