Monaco Takes New York 2007 Shines the Spotlight on Princess Grace

In the spring and fall of 2007, the spotlight will shine brightly on one of the world's premier destinations, the Principality of Monaco, and in particular, on the life and times of one of the world's truly iconic figures, H.S.H. Princess Grace of Monaco.

At a series of glamorous invitation-only and open-to-the-public events at selected venues throughout New York City, the public can discover the rich culture, noble traditions and tempting cuisine of the “jewel of the Riviera”. And in the 25th year since Her tragic death, a series of extra-special events will offer a glimpse inside the fairytale world of America's Princess. A dedicated website: http://www.monacotakesnewyork.com/ will be constantly updated with dates, times and venues and press information for these extraordinary events.

Spring 2007 in New York
This spring, the Principality’s favorite sister city, New York, will host a series of extra-special Monaco-inspired events to preview what will most certainly be the most talked-about Monaco Takes New York to date – including an look at The Grace Kelly Years, a fascinating retrospective that will be held from 13 July through 9 September in Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum.
For the sixth year, lunch time diners in New York will delight in the epicurean specialties of the world's most glamorous destination by savoring traditional Monégasque cuisine - a tempting fusion of French, Italian and Mediterranean influences - at select high-end restaurants throughout midtown Manhattan. The classic sounds of Monaco will be heard on New York's WQXR 96.3-FM as Making Music in Monaco kicks off its 11th season in mid-March with a traditional one-hour Saturday show, featuring performers and composers with ties, present or past, to the Principality, followed by mid-week mini-segments, and culminating in a mid-May crescendo with a three-hour gala cultural feast. These programs will link some of Monaco's most acclaimed cultural icons: the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera companies and Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, plus previews of the Spring Arts Festival as well as The Grace Kelly Years exhibit. Throughout October special tribute programs will air featuring poetry readings by Princess Grace.
Through Her many charitable endeavors, Princess Grace dedicated much time and effort focusing on the world's children. To honor that legacy, students aged 8-12 will be invited to create an illustration reflecting the aspect of Her persona that inspires them most. The illustrations will be evaluated by a panel of judges including Monaco's Consul General in the United States and one lucky winner will be invited to the Princess Grace exhibition at Sotheby's in the fall of 2007 (Rules and full prize description to be posted online in January with entries due in May, 2007.)

Summer 2007 in Monaco
For the first time, to mark the 25th anniversary of Her passing, the Principality will stage an exhibition that pays homage to Princess Grace of Monaco. In close collaboration with the Prince's Palace, which will make available personal items not previously displayed in public, this tribute called The Grace Kelly Years (July 12 through September 9) will retrace the many facets of Her life; from Grace Kelly, Hollywood star, to Princess of Monaco, devoted supporter of the Principality which adopted and loved her from the moment she set foot there in 1956. This unique exhibition - over 13,000 ft² - will feature personal letters, private belongings, clothing, jewelry and fashion accessories, sound recordings, film excerpts, news reports and more. (http://www.grimaldiforum.com/)

Fall 2007 in New York
In the fall of 2007, renowned auctioneers, Sotheby’s, will house a remarkable exhibition devoted to the Princess featuring personal items, audiovisual archives, and many more never-before-seen objects; the annual Princess Grace Awards Gala to benefit young and aspiring artists will be held in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and a spectacular live auction is planned to benefit the Princess Grace Foundation – USA.
The Consulate General of Monaco and the Monaco Government Tourist Office are pleased to partner with the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, Sotheby's and Town & Country magazine in this extraordinary tribute to the Principality of Monaco's brilliant past, sparkling present and dynamic future.

For more information, please contact the Consulate General of Monaco, 565 Fifth Avenue, New York New York 10017, Tel: 212-286 0500 or via e-mail at: info@Monaco-Consulate.com or visit http://www.monaco-consulate.com/ or http://www.monacotakesnewyork.com/.