Princess Grace Irish Library - Monaco

One of the most special cultural jewels of Monaco, is the beautiful Princess Grace Irish Library (PGIL). A loving tribute created by Prince Rainier III in honour of his late wife, in 1984, two years after her untimely death. Princess Grace, whose paternal relatives came from County Mayo, Ireland, was immensely proud of her Irish heritage, and the library signifies her fond attachment to the country. The PGIL houses Grace’s personal books, (which had previously lined the walls of her Palace office) and music that she had collected during her lifetime, all in some way linked to the Emerald Isle.

In addition to the princess’s personal collection of Irish literature and Irish-American sheet music, the library has acquired over twelve thousand books, including literature from the Irish Literary Revival as well as classic volumes.

Adorning the salon walls of the serene townhouse situated in the heart of Monaco, Waterford crystal chandeliers illuminate multiple portraits and pictures of Princess Grace by artists such as Mohamed Drisi, Jack Yeats, Louis le Brocquy, Jack Murray and Claire D’Arcy. Alongside, are bronze portraits of literary figures including W.B. Yeats and Oscar Wilde by Dutch sculptor, Kees Verkade.

Among the literary treasures on display, are editions of James Joyce’s works, including an incredibly rare first edition of Ulysses (1922). The copy is numbered 312 out of 1,000 printed on handmade paper dated February 2, 1922. It was published in Paris by the English-language bookshop Shakespeare and Company, owned by American ex-pat Sylvia Beach, who had met Joyce at a party in Paris.

During her lifetime, Princess Grace made several visits to Ireland, both public and private. In 1961, when Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III touched down in Ireland for their first official visit, the public turned out in their thousands to watch the couple land at Dublin Airport. The trip was a resounding success, and whilst there, they also travelled to Mayo, visiting Drimurla, the family home place of Grace’s grandfather John Peter Kelly, who left Ireland in 1887 for America.

Below, Princess Grace can be seen climbing the hill to visit the Shrine of Our Lady at Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo.

The princess was an avid collector of Irish literature and as a result, there is an impressive collection of books on display; everything from leather-bound volumes of Jonathan Swift letters to rare collections of the works of George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde. Entrance to the library is free, and visitors are always welcome.

Grace Kelly had always been fond of poetry and her favourite poets were Wordsworth, Keats and Shelley. Later in life after becoming Princess Grace of Monaco, she would give poetry readings at events such as the International Poetry Forum at Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh. She also appeared in A Remembrance for Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon. Grace’s love of words never left her.

Below, a celtic cross typically used in of the 12th century.

Monaco’s commemorative stamp – issued to celebrate the library’s 40th year – features an image of Princess Grace wearing a Connemara tweed suit in green, which she had purchased in Ireland during her state visit in 1961.

Aside from books, there are also poignant personal items, including one of Princess Grace’s pressed flower collages. Grace was passionate about flowers and her art provided a therapeutic outlet for her. In 1980 she wrote a book: My Book of Flowers. The princess also exhibited her dried-flower collages in Paris and the USA, and in 1966, she established the Monaco Garden Club to promote the art of flower arranging. Today, her love of flowers is reflected in the silk scarves and products designed by Grace de Monaco, whose profits support the stars of tomorrow via the Princess Grace Award Grants which recognise all performance based creatives, as part of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA

In 1962, Princess Grace set up her Foundation with a mission to serve children through humanitarian/pediatric projects and cultural charities. The PGIL is supported by the Foundation.

As one would expect with Princess Grace’s love of children, there is also a wonderful children’s library at the PGIL where young readers have the opportunity to read in English. There is a large selection of Irish books for ages of two and upwards, and also a wonderful selection of Princess Grace dolls!

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and His sister H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover, often attend events at the library which include music recitals, poetry readings and dramatic performances, all celebrating Ireland’s rich cultural history.

On St. Patrick’s Day, it is traditional for the pink Princely Palace to be illuminated in a vibrant green hue, reinforcing the Principality of Monaco’s strong cultural ties to the country.

No visit to Monaco is complete without a stop at the fascinating library!

For further information, please visit the Princess Grace Irish Library.

Images by CELLOPHANELAND*, PGIL, Ed Wright, Ray Bellisario/Popperfoto/Getty Images