The typical traveler finds Monaco to be a snooze allright - hohum - a Mouse That Roared novelty but downright boring unless rolling in the casino or with the yachting crowd.

But Americans, especially those gray beards like me, may have reason to pause a bit longer this summer as a special exhibit The Grace Kelly Years being mounted at the Grimaldi Forum (www.grimaldiforum.com)

The Grimaldis of course are the 'royal' family of this somewhat autonomous state though i guess if there fails to be a male heir it reverts to French control.

Anyway Hollywood blockbuster acctress Grace Kelly, the darling of Philadelphia, shocked the world in 1956 with her fairy-tale wedding to Prince Rainier after bagging her Hollywood career to be the perfect princess and hopefull mom to a male heir. (Think the prince may have dumped a previous wife for lack of heir but not sure - pre-Alzheimers you know!)

Anyway this exhibit, which runs between July 12 and Sep 23, 2007 uses 15 walk-thru rooms to portray various epochs in Grace's life, up until her tragic death in Monte Carlo in a car crash when she drove off one of the twisting Principalities corniche drives in 1982.

Rooms cover such: her early theatrical career; her work with Hitchcock, shock jock movie director of his day, with a replica of the set from 1954 movie Rear Window; the Wedding Room has her wedding dress and Official room contains her belt and diadem, whatever the hell that is.

All for 10 euros!

I recently read that Monaco is considered a "tinpot kingdom" by some and is "the shady place for even shadier people."

Seems to me that makes it all the more appealing in some ways.

Dookie: i can easily see how that would appeal to you.

The quote is "A sunny place for shady people" by W. Somerset Maugham

Several Societe des Bains de Mer Monancan hotels, including glitzy Hotel de Paris and Hotel Mirabeau are offering packages including two tickets to exhibvition and rooms ranging from $540-985/night; other packages available by bidding: www.monacoauction.com

It's a very good exhibition; very well thought out, with different rooms showing different aspects of her life. Lots of dresses, pictures, home movies of the family, and Kelly bags of course. If you're going to be in the area, it's definitely worth a visit.
Have lunch or dinner (or just a drink) at the Zebra lounge, also a the Grimaldi Forum.

WOW....25 years already?!

In 2005 we visited the Monte Carlo Casino and there was a free exhibit with many of Maria Callas's opera costumes. This one should be more interesting.

Istanbul is FABULOUS. I would rather take a trip there than any of the Greek Isles. I just returned from Rhodes, and while very interesting and relaxing, it can't compare to atmospheric, otherworldy Istanbul.

There are hilly parts of Istanbul, especially Istaklal Caddesi in Beyoglu, but you can take the tram to the top of the street.

In Sultanahmet, you can take a cab to the Grand Bazaar, which is up a hill from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace area (all flat).

I found Monaco a bit bland. I stayed in nearby Menton which was quite cheap.

I understand that by the time this exhibit gets to NYC, its last stop, many of the items will not have come with it. Does anyone know if everything will be included in the Paris show?

How did Turkey end up in a post on Monaco?

It's a joy to not be asking for help, but rather to have been just looking to see what others are discussing, and to find this gem of a suggestion! As luck will have it, we just might be able to squeeze it in, juggling a few dates...my mother will love it. It's not just gray beards that will enjoy it PalenQ...thanks for the links!
I wasn't going to respond to the last post about how did Turkey end up in a post about Monaco...but since I'm here, I have to admit, it was surprising --and charming, even if out of place. And in this life, can't we always appreciate some surprise and charm!

Nice thread about Istanbul, I've always wanted to visit Istanbul but somehow always ended up in Monaco instead. Makes me wonder how they compare.

I never find Monaco to be a snooze probably because we used to have some friends who lived there & took us to the good local places. There are plenty of active social life in Monaco and people seem to be measured by how far their table is located from the Prince's table during dinners/events.