Monaco, April 10, 2025—This summer, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco will throw open its doors to a remarkable journey through time with the exhibition “Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies,” running from July 11 to August 31, 2025. Held under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, this groundbreaking event will pull back the curtain on a hidden chapter of history: the profound ties between the Principality of Monaco and the First and Second Napoleonic Empires. For the first time, visitors will step into a world of rare artworks, documents, and objects that reveal a relationship as surprising as it is vital.
Three sharp minds have shaped this exhibition: Thomas Fouilleron, Director of the Archives and Library of the Prince’s Palace; Thomas Blanchy, his Deputy Director; and Pierre Branda, Scientific Director of the Fondation Napoléon. Together, they’ve dug deep into the archives to piece together a story that stretches across some of Europe’s most defining moments. Emperors Napoleon I and Napoleon III, alongside Empresses Joséphine and Eugénie, crossed paths with the Grimaldi dynasty in ways that shaped both Monaco and the continent. This isn’t just a dusty history lesson—it’s a fresh look at a past that still echoes today.
The exhibition’s beating heart comes from an extraordinary source: the private collection of David and Mikhail Iakobachvili. This father-and-son duo, driven by a love for history and art, have spent two decades amassing nearly 25,000 pieces—spanning the 16th to 20th centuries. Their trove includes rare Napoleonic artifacts, from decorative arts to mechanical marvels, and a selection of these treasures will take center stage at the Grimaldi Forum. Successful businessmen and dedicated patrons, the Iakobachvilis are now planning a museum to house their collection’s highlights. Their passion for French heritage and their ties to Monaco fueled this event, making it a personal mission as much as a public one.
David Iakobachvili.
Adding a modern voice to this historic tale is Louis Ducruet, the exhibition’s ambassador. Known for championing Monaco’s heritage, Ducruet bridges past and present, bringing a fresh perspective to an era that laid the Principality’s foundations. “Monaco and the Napoleons: Intertwined Destinies” promises to reframe how we see Napoleon Bonaparte and his successors’ impact on this tiny yet tenacious state.
Blending rigorous research with raw historical weight, this cultural cornerstone of 2025 invites everyone to rediscover a story that’s been overlooked for too long. More awaits—valued artifacts, timelines, and perspectives from those leading this effort under H.S.H. Prince Albert II’s guidance.