On April 25, 2024, members of Monaco’s princely family officially opened the long-awaited Monaco-Ville section of Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway exhibition.
Located in Hamburg’s historic Speicherstadt district since 2001, Miniatur Wunderland spans more than 15 kilometers of track and features over one thousand trains. Its meticulously crafted landscapes are organized into geographical zones representing iconic cities and regions. The newest addition, completed after more than six years of construction, recreates the Principality of Monaco and a portion of the French Riviera on a surface of approximately 70 square meters.
The Monaco section includes detailed reproductions of the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum, Port Hercules, and the legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, complete with moving cars and the famous tunnel sequence. A highlight noted by visitors is the faithfully rendered Jardin Animalier, the small zoological garden originally created by Prince Rainier III in 1954.
The opening ceremony was attended by the princely family, underscoring the close ties between the Grimaldi dynasty and the project.
Photo credits: Miniatur Wunderland