A Wedding in the Spotlight. Rainier III and Grace Kelly. April 12-19, 1956

A Wedding in the Spotlight. Rainier III and Grace Kelly. April 12-19, 1956 is organized by Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco from 06 July 2026 to 26 February 2027.

When the marriage of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly in Monaco was announced, offers to film the event poured in. In February 1956, from the United States, the sovereign made his decision: “One film, and one only, in color and Cinemascope, will be produced by the Principality.”

To facilitate the work of the approximately 1,800 journalists who had come from all corners of the globe to cover the “wedding of the century,” a press house was set up on the Rock. Access to the festivities was strictly controlled, as the limited space meant that not all participants, especially photographers, could be accommodated. Sharing footage was essential. Meanwhile, Radio Monte-Carlo and Télé Monte-Carlo produced and broadcast the ceremonies via Eurovision to 30 million viewers. Amateur filmmakers were also present: cameras in hand, they captured the fervor of the entire population.

Monaco also became a film set, where Jean Masson and his assistant Jacques Demy worked diligently to shoot and edit, in record time, the footage for a color chronicle, *The Wedding of Monaco*, produced under “special authorization.” Produced by a Monegasque company, C.I.T.E.L., the film was released in French cinemas on May 2, 1956, distributed by Pathé, while M.G.M. handled its distribution in North America. Having remained unseen since then, the film has just been restored in a laboratory by the Palace of Monaco and the Audiovisual Institute.

On display for visitors to explore, films, photographs, archives, and equipment retrace the history of this unique production and detail the media strategy behind an event that changed the face of the Principality.

From July 6, 2026 to February 26, 2027
Free admission
Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. on Fridays)