On July 4, 2026, the United States marked 250 years since the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence. While this date belongs to American history, its meaning reaches far beyond—and in Monaco, it is felt in a very personal way.
Today, a small but very active American community calls the Principality home. Many have chosen Monaco not just as a place to live, but as a place to belong. Life here brings together different cultures in a natural way, where international residents quickly become part of a welcoming environment.
Many are connected through MonacoUSA, an association created in 1973 at the request of Grace Kelly. Her idea was simple: to create a place where people could meet easily, share ideas, and feel at home. That spirit still defines the group today. It remains an important bridge between Americans and friends of Monaco.
Today, the association is led by a dynamic team. The Executive Director, Annette Anderson, plays an important role in the life of the community, helping to maintain the warm and welcoming atmosphere that MonacoUSA is known for.
Over time, the Association’s role has grown in a very natural way. In addition to building strong ties between Monaco and the United States and assisting Americans in the Principality, it brings people together through cultural exchange, supports charitable initiatives, and creates opportunities to connect—socially, culturally, and professionally. At its heart, it remains what it was always meant to be: a place where people feel at home.
Alongside MonacoUSA, other American associations have also played a role in shaping the community on the Riviera over time.
One of the earliest is the American Club of the Riviera. Founded in 1962 as a successor to the US Propeller Club—originally created in 1927 in Washington to support the American Merchant Marine—the Club brought together Americans living along the Côte d’Azur in a simple and familiar way.
At the time, its headquarters moved from Marseille to the Hôtel Martinez, before later settling in Cannes, where it remains today. Its activities naturally followed the spirit of similar American clubs across Europe, creating opportunities to meet, exchange, and stay connected.
Over the years, the Club welcomed many distinguished guests, including Grace Kelly, who became an honorary member, as well as Prince Rainier III and members of the princely family, who attended its traditional Thanksgiving gatherings at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. American ambassadors and officials were also part of these moments.
Through time, the American Club of the Riviera has remained an active part of life on the Côte d’Azur, quietly contributing to the long-standing friendship between France and the United States.
Over the years, Stars’N’Bars also became a well-known meeting place for the American community in Monaco. Opened in 1993 on the port, it was known for its relaxed atmosphere and community events, and remained part of Monaco life until its closure in January 2023. A new chapter began in the same space with Stars of Monaco.
The connection between Monaco and the United States became especially visible in 1956, when Prince Rainier III married Grace Kelly. It was more than a royal wedding—it brought two worlds together and created a lasting cultural bridge between Monaco and America. That moment still gives life to a relationship shaped by shared values, cultural exchange, and real closeness between both countries.
2026 celebrations
The year 2026 brings several important moments together. Alongside America’s 250th anniversary, the Principality also marks 20 years since opening its embassy in Washington, strengthening its presence in the United States.
Monaco took part in America250, the national program coordinating celebrations across the country. Prince Albert II took part in these events, reflecting the long-standing relationship between Monaco and the United States.
A series of official and cultural events took place in Washington, New York, and other partner cities. These brought together public institutions, cultural figures, and friends of Monaco, in a shared moment of history and friendship.
A cultural program developed with the Smithsonian Institution highlighted the life of Princess Grace, with a special focus on Philadelphia, her birthplace.
The Principality also issued a commemorative stamp series, a simple but meaningful tribute to this shared history.
Night of Ideas, led by Villa Albertine, brought together writers, artists, and thinkers to explore themes such as freedom, progress, and the future of democracy.
Traditional celebrations such as Bastille Day also included a tribute to American independence, reflecting the close history shared between France, the United States, and the Principality.
Grace Kelly & MonacoUSA
The story of Monaco and the United States remains closely tied to Grace Kelly. She kept a strong connection to her American roots and supported cultural and humanitarian causes throughout her life. With Prince Rainier III, she helped create a lasting link between Hollywood, Monaco, and the United States. Her legacy continues through the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, which supports talented artists across the United States.
In Monaco, MonacoUSA continues this connection in a very direct way, bringing together Americans and friends of Monaco through community life, keeping that original spirit alive.
What stands out in this story is the human connection. It is about people, memories, and relationships that continue over time. From Grace Kelly’s arrival in Monaco to today’s cultural and official ties, the relationship between Monaco and the United States remains warm, active, and very much alive.
