Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene have launched a major construction and renovation project in the Prince’s Palace. A part of their private home, in the ‘Sovereign House’ will be expanded. The project began at the beginning of April in the West Wing of the house. Work will be focussed on the “New Wing” which was built in the 1960s and overlooks the Fontvieille district.
According to a recent press release issued by the Prince’s Palace, the construction project will raise the building by one level. Inside, all infrastructure will be upgraded to meet contemporary standards in terms of safety, accessibility, and environmental performance.
Prince Albert II requests innovative techniques for restoration in the Palace
Meanwhile, across other sections of the Palace, including the State Apartments, the frescoes that had remained hidden for centuries (600 m2 of Italian Renaissance frescos were first discovered in 2015) are still being meticulously restored. They date back to the 16th century, when the old medieval fortress was first transformed into the palace it is today with the construction of an open, fifty metre gallery on two levels.
Found by chance, the frescoes have undergone an unprecedented restoration campaign. The incredible discovery shook the very history of the Principality, depicting centuries-old ties with the Mediterranean world and great myths that have shaped local culture.
HSH Prince Albert II chose to use environmentally responsible techniques for the restoration of the palace frescoes. A palette of 14 custom colours was created, each one compatible with the original frescoes. Pigments made of natural minerals, sourced according to ecological, ethical and sustainable criteria are ground with plant-based binders, including gum arabica. The paint production is limited solely to the needs of the palace, so nothing is wasted.
This restoration work can be admired by the public and is not affected by the New Wing construction project.
“The Grand Apartments of the Prince’s Palace are open to the public. A perfect opportunity to admire the sumptuous Renaissance frescoes, whose restoration is soon nearing completion,” said the Palace of Monaco on social media.
The work in the New Wing, on the other hand, is focussed on private spaces, reserved for the princely family, and not intended to be shown. In 2007, the North wing of the Prince’s Palace was excavated for an expansion of 3,200 square metres for offices and administrative spaces.
