During the National Day celebrations in Monaco, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II conferred the Order of Saint-Charles, the Principality’s highest honor, upon Anna Maria Benedetti Gaglio, the Italian philanthropist whose work has left an indelible mark on Monaco’s cultural and humanitarian landscape.
For decades, Ms. Benedetti has championed initiatives that intersect art, therapy, and social inclusion. As Secretary General of the Eugenio Benedetti Gaglio Association, she has been instrumental in introducing art-therapy into medical practice, most notably through the creation of the Unité de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie Médicale (UPPM) at the Princess Grace Hospital. The unit offers patients the opportunity to engage in music, visual arts, dance, sculpture, and culinary expression as part of their therapeutic journey.
The innovative approach pioneered by Ms. Benedetti has reshaped Monaco’s approach to mental health and well-being. Patient-created works are not only a part of the healing process but are also celebrated publicly, with exhibitions in museums and auctions at charitable events, transforming creative expression into a bridge between vulnerability and empowerment.
The Order of Saint-Charles recognizes Ms. Benedetti’s decades of tireless dedication and her embodiment of universal values: compassion, innovation, and the conviction that art has the power to heal. Reflecting on her career, she noted, “Every refusal has always been a stimulus to continue.” Her resilience has fostered collaborations with leaders in both healthcare and cultural sectors, reinforcing Monaco’s reputation as a center for progressive social initiatives.
Alongside her husband, Mr. Eugenio Benedetti Gaglio, Anna Maria Benedetti Gaglio’s work continues to serve as a model of how philanthropy and creativity can unite to enrich society. In honoring her, Monaco celebrates not only her personal achievements but also the enduring impact of a vision that places humanity, art, and solidarity at the center of its community life.