The Grimaldi Forum Monaco has been awarded the 2025 “Handipact” Trophy, presented on Wednesday, December 3 during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities organised by the Princely Government. The recognition highlights the cultural centre’s sustained commitment to accessibility and inclusion, particularly reflected in the initiatives developed around its major summer exhibition “Couleurs ! Chefs-d’œuvre du Centre Pompidou.”
This distinction is part of the wider Handipact policy led by the Department of Social Affairs and Health under Government Counsellor–Minister Christophe Robino and carried out by disability delegate Lionel Galfré. The trophy was presented to Managing Director Sylvie Biancheri in the presence of Paralympic blind football champion and French Handisport Federation President Gaël Rivière, who delivered an inspiring address during the ceremony.
The Grimaldi Forum, certified ISO 14001 and ISO 20121, integrates accessibility into its broader social responsibility approach. Visitors benefit from personalised support, wheelchair access, step-free routes from parking areas, adapted facilities, aids for visually impaired visitors and induction loop hearing systems — measures guided by the belief that culture should be available to all.
The “Couleurs !” exhibition enabled the Grimaldi Forum to implement an extensive inclusive programme in partnership with CMB Monaco and several regional associations. Among the initiatives recognised were a series of adapted and multisensory visits: AMAPEI on July 21 with a sensory discovery session; Arrimage on July 22 with tactile 3D reproductions, audio descriptions and an immersive space designed to “feel and hear” colours, followed by the permanent integration of tactile elements and a braille label in the exhibition; Monaco Disease Power on July 23 with a visual-olfactory tour and creative workshop for young people with trisomy; and Happy Hand on August 27 with an interactive multisensory experience for twelve participants with a range of disabilities. The exhibition also included a French Sign Language video at its entrance, ensuring direct access to curatorial insights for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.
Through this award, the Princely Government acknowledges the work undertaken by the Grimaldi Forum and encourages continued progress. “This honour strengthens our determination. We believe deeply that culture must be accessible to all, without exception. We will continue developing even more inclusive and sensitive projects,” stated Managing Director Sylvie Biancheri. The Grimaldi Forum reaffirms its commitment to offering open and innovative cultural experiences that support Monaco’s ambition of building a fully accessible society.
