From April 13 to November 3, 2024, the Musée National de l’Automobile – Collection Schlumpf in Mulhouse is hosting a unique exhibition that brings Monaco’s rich automotive legacy to France. Titled “From Monaco to Mulhouse: The Collection of Prince Albert II”, the event offers visitors a glimpse into the Grimaldi family’s long-standing love for cars. Curated by Richard Keller and Rodolphe Rapetti, the exhibition showcases about twenty vintage vehicles from the personal collection of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, a collection originally started by his father, Prince Rainier III.
The display not only highlights the Grimaldi dynasty’s enthusiasm for classic cars but also traces a century of automotive history through models that hold sentimental value for the family. Featured vehicles include Prince Albert’s very first car, a Lotus Seven IV from 1971, as well as his great-grandfather’s Humber Motorcycle, which he famously used for a tour of France in the early 1900s. Visitors will also find a nod to Monaco’s famed Monte-Carlo rallies and Formula One Grand Prix with rally cars and Formula 1 vehicles on display.
A Partnership Born of Passion
The collaboration between Monaco and Mulhouse began unexpectedly in 2023. In an interview with Prince Albert, he recounted the serendipitous encounter that started it all: “The genesis of our collaboration dates back to 2023 and a chance meeting with Guillaume Gasser, the Director General of the Musée National de l’Automobile, on the occasion of Top Marques.” During this event, Gasser had brought a stunning Bugatti Royale to Monaco, sparking a conversation that revealed shared values and a mutual passion for cars. These conversations quickly developed into a formal collaboration, allowing the Prince to share his collection with a wider audience.
Why Mulhouse? Prince Albert explained, “I discovered the Musée National de l’Automobile in May 2006 during an official trip to Alsace… The museum enjoys an international reputation as a leading institution in the field of cars. It offers unrivaled expertise and an ideal environment to showcase these automotive treasures.”
A Family Affair: The Origins of Passion
For Prince Albert, this exhibition is personal. His love for cars stems from childhood and was heavily influenced by his father, Prince Rainier III. “It is above all a family affair, a passion that my father, Prince Rainier III, had, which he passed on to my sons and myself. He collected them with fervor and took great care of them,” he shared.
The Prince also fondly recalled his childhood experiences with these vehicles, often switching from one luxurious car to another depending on the occasion. One of his favourite memories involves the family’s 1959 Renault Floride, which has a special place in his heart: “In the summer of 1976, Princess Grace had let Caroline and I borrow it to go to a party at friends’. On the way back… we broke down. My sister was driving… and we had to walk to town and find a phone. This Floride had a nice sound, well except when it broke down.”
Favourites from the Schlumpf Collection
While the Prince’s collection is remarkable in its own right, his admiration extends to the treasures housed at the Schlumpf museum. When asked to name a favourite from their vast collection, he chose the 1929 Bugatti Royale Coupé Napoléon, designed by Jean Bugatti. “What class, what refinement, and what can we say about its performance for the time? It’s hard to do better, even today with the technologies we have. It’s a masterpiece of automotive engineering from the last century.”
The exhibition is a celebration of both Monaco’s and Mulhouse’s automotive heritage. It also offers a rare opportunity for car enthusiasts to admire vehicles that have never been showcased before, such as the prized pieces from Prince Albert’s private collection. As he puts it, “This collection is particularly close to my heart, and I would like to enrich it by acquiring new models.”
With stunning vintage cars, photographs, and videos highlighting the Grimaldi family’s love for automobiles, this exhibition at the Musée National de l’Automobile is a must-visit for any car lover this year.
