High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II – Presentation of the exhibition ‘Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies’

The Grimaldi Forum Monaco will host an exceptional exhibition this summer entitled “Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies”, running from July 11 to August 31, 2025. Held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, this unprecedented event will unveil for the very first time the deep and unique ties between the Principality of Monaco and the First and Second Napoleonic Empires.

Through a precious selection of artworks, documents, and prestigious objects, visitors will be invited to explore the many facets of a historical relationship that is as little-known as it is essential.

This exhibition is the result of rigorous research carried out by its three curators. Thomas Fouilleron and Thomas Blanchy—Director and Deputy Director of the Archives and Library of the Prince’s Palace—alongside Pierre Branda, Scientific Director of the Fondation Napoléon. Together, they offer a fresh and well-documented perspective on some of the most pivotal periods in European and Monégasque history, when Emperors Napoleon I and Napoleon III, as well as Empresses Joséphine and Eugénie… crossed paths with the Grimaldi dynasty.

But that’s not all…

A major highlight of the exhibition will be the exceptional contribution from the private collection of David and Mikhail Iakobachvili. Father and son, these two passionate collectors of decorative arts, rare objects, mechanical creations, and sound performances have assembled over the past twenty years an impressive collection of nearly 25,000 pieces spanning from the 16th to the 20th century. Among them are precious
Napoleonic artifacts that will be showcased at the Grimaldi Forum as part of this major event.

Successful businessmen, committed patrons of the arts, and true lovers of history, David and Mikhail Iakobachvili are currently working on the creation of a museum that will host a selection of the most emblematic works from their collection. The exhibition “Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies” was born at the crossroads of their passions, their deep connection to Monaco, and their strong interest in French cultural and artistic heritage.

Louis Ducruet, who is actively involved in promoting Monégasque historical heritage, will serve as the exhibition’s ambassador, offering a contemporary perspective on this foundational era.

“Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies” offers a rare opportunity to (re)discover from a new angle the many ties that linked Monaco to Napoleon Bonaparte and his successors.
A major cultural event of summer 2025, it promises to blend scholarly excellence with deep historical emotion.
Further details will be revealed in the coming weeks, including highlights of the works to be displayed, the exhibition timeline at the Grimaldi Forum, and statements from key figures involved in this exceptional event, held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II.

Stay tuned…