Photo credits: Howell Conant / Bob Adelman photos.
From July 5 to September 14, 2025, the Grands Appartements of Monaco’s Palais Princier will host “Grace” #1, an evocative exhibition that invites visitors to rediscover the luminous and multifaceted personality of Princess Grace, born Grace Patricia Kelly. This intimate showcase moves beyond the familiar iconography of a Hollywood star-turned-princess, offering a rare glimpse into the woman behind the legend: her depth, her emotions, and her quiet strength.
Curated with sensitivity by Natalia Mlodzikowska, head of exhibitions at the Palais Princier’s Collections Department, and guest artistic curator Marie-Eve Mestre, “Grace” #1 crafts a narrative that eschews clichés. Spanning 90 square meters across three rooms, the exhibition draws primarily from the palace’s collections and archives. Photographs, personal belongings, jewelry, and accessories—each carefully chosen—tell the story of a woman who was at once sensitive, brilliant, courageous, and free.
The immersive scenography creates a hushed, poetic atmosphere, designed to feel like a cherished interlude. Velvet curtains, soft lighting, and plush carpeting muffle footsteps, enveloping visitors in an intimate setting. Unseen portraits of varying sizes share space with treasured objects: glasses, gloves, hats, and the iconic Hermès Kelly bag. A floral tapestry, inspired by Princess Grace’s love of nature, is paired with the delicate scent of roses and a soundscape of birdsong, weaving an ambiance of elegance and serenity.
Photo credits: Howell Conant / Bob Adelman photos.
The exhibition unfolds across four themes, each illuminating a different facet of Grace’s life. Visitors first encounter the natural, unguarded young woman captured in candid moments on Jamaica’s beaches. Next, they meet the quietly elegant figure of everyday life, poised yet unassuming. The third theme celebrates Grace as a devoted, attentive mother, while the final section highlights her passion for photography and amateur filmmaking, through which she preserved precious family memories.
With photographs by Howell Conant and Bob Adelman, “Grace” #1 is both a tribute and a revelation, inviting reflection on a woman whose legacy endures not only in Monaco’s history but in the quiet power of her humanity. This exhibition is a must-see for those seeking to understand the heart behind the crown.