Sculptures in Monaco
Honorary Statues
Памятники Монте-Карло
T
here are a number of busts of famous in-
dividuals located around the Casino, com-
memorating some of the greatest historical
figures of all time.
Jules Massenet (1842–1912)
Appropriately placed outside the grand Salle Gar-
nier, Jules Massenet was a French composer of the
Romantic era, best known for his operas. The bust
was created by the Russian sculptor, Léopold-Ber-
nard Bernstamm, and was inaugurated in February
1914, as a reminder of one of the greatest melodists
of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Hector Berlioz (1803–1869)
Keeping with the theme, a bust of Hector Berlioz
proudly stands nearby, commemorating the iconic
French Romantic composer. Created by the same
Russian sculptor, using marble, it was erected in
1903 to celebrate the centenary of the composer’s
birth, and was inaugurated with the presence of
Prince Albert I. Monaco and its royal family have
always had a particular affection for Berlioz and
his music.
Charles III (1818–1889)
Perhaps the most fitting statue near the Place du
Casino, can be found on the Allée François Blanc.
Here you will find the sculpted bust of Charles III,
the Prince of Monaco who founded the famous
Casino de Monaco and who is immortalised in this
form for all to remember.
Prince Louis de Polignac (1909–1996)
Located in front of the luxurious Hôtel Hermitage,
the robust bronze sculpture depicts Prince Louis
de Polignac, cousin of Prince Rainier III’s father and
the Honorary President of the Société des Bains
de Mer. The decorated Prince was also an officer
of the Legion of Honour. S.A.S. Rainier III inaugu-
rated the sculpture on the 13th of October, 1997
on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of the
Grimaldi dynasty.
142 / Hello Monaco Summer–Autumn 2018
Serge Diaghilev (1872–1929)
Hidden away amongst the palm trees in front of
the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, sits a modernist bust
with a light covering of patina commemorating
the Russian founder of the Ballets Russes, from
which many famous dancers and choreographers
would arise. He composed many ballets in Monte-
Carlo between 1911 and 1929. The monument in
his honour was inaugurated on the 8th of March
1973, by S.A.S. Rainier III, and was created by an
unknown sculptor.
Jules Massenet