Museum of Stamps and Coins

About this place

The Museum of Stamps and Coins in the Fontvieille district tells the postal history of the principality and displays Monegasque money dating to 1640. A small building with a front decorated by large reliefs, it holds the Prince's personal stamp and coin collection, and it appeals to collectors and anyone after a short quiet visit away from the crowds. Prince Rainier III founded it by sovereign ordinance in 1995, and it opened to the public in January 1996. The first hall shows rare stamps, including Monaco's first, issued in 1885 under Charles III, before which Sardinian and French stamps were used. Documents show how stamps were printed, alongside the old national coinage. You pass through a plain entrance between two huge ornamental panels, on a sand-coloured front bearing the museum's name in large letters. Inside are quiet glass-walled rooms, stamp issues lined along the walls, a shining metal printing cylinder and old printing machines with black wheels. Other cases show coins from different eras, arranged with explanations. It is about 420 m in a straight line from the Princess Grace Rose Garden and looks over the small Fontvieille harbour, so it suits a walk around the district. Check opening times before you arrive. It is small, so less than an hour is enough. Avoid flash near fragile items, ask about taking pictures, and take your time, as the captions are detailed.