Louis II Stadium celebrates 40th anniversary

©Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali

Prince Rainier III officially opened the Louis II Stadium on 25 January 1985. Forty years later, this iconic building, recognisable by its distinctive arches, continues to be a key feature of the Monegasque landscape. Designed as a multipurpose sports facility, the stadium has demonstrated its flexibility, hosting major sporting, cultural and charity events over the last four decades.

A number of events are being organised to celebrate this anniversary.

Official ceremony retracing the stadium’s origins

On 4 February, an official ceremony will be held in the Salon d’Honneur VIP area at the Louis II Stadium. This event will showcase the genesis of the project, from the design stage to official opening. The ceremony will be attended by those who helped to build and develop the stadium, and will offer an opportunity to highlight the facility’s vital role at the heart of Monegasque life.

Immersive exhibition covering 40 years of events

Beyond its architecture and institutional importance, it is the many different sports and competitions hosted there each year which really make the Louis II Stadium what it is. As a tribute to this dynamism, a brand-new exhibition titled Il était une première fois (There Was a First Time) will be unveiled at an official preview in April 2025.

This event will bring together all those who have helped to turn the Louis II Stadium into an iconic venue. The sporting associations and federations which have brought life to the facilities over the decades will be invited to take part, to honour their commitment and the vital role they play in the life of the stadium.

The exhibition will be staged along the pedestrian walkway inside the stadium, newly renovated for the occasion, and will be open to the public for several months. It will highlight landmark firsts at the stadium: the first football match, the first world record, the first archery competition, the first concert, the first boxing gala and many others.

Thanks to archives, photographs and posters contributed by various organisations and bodies, visitors will have the opportunity to relive these historic occasions and gain a sense of the impact that the Louis II Stadium has had on sport and culture in Monaco.

To put together this ambitious retrospective, the stadium’s management team brought in a set designer, Ahmad Reshad, who is a former student at Monaco Art School, and an exhibition curator, Gérard Holtz, who is a journalist and keen sports fan.

A commemorative stamp for collectors

Finally, to mark this historic anniversary, a commemorative stamp celebrating 40 years of the Louis II Stadium will be issued on 18 March 2025. This is a wonderful way to record the event for posterity and offer enthusiasts a unique philatelic souvenir.