Monte-Carlo SBM history

From January 1866, the first customers of the new dining room were dazzled by the building designed by the architect Godinot de la Bretonnerie, and discovered gas lighting produced by the new factory in Monaco.

Construction in Monte Carlo was stepped up: the predecessor to the Café de Paris opened to the public in 1868, completing the ‘magic triangle’ of the Place du Casino.

When François Blanc died in 1877, his wife Marie took over the management of Société des Bains de Mer.

Sarah Bernhardt was the first to star at the Opera House when she performed there for opening night on 25 January 1879.

When she died in 1881, the Hôtel de Paris and Casino were world renowned as the liveliest and most attractive luxury resort venues.

In 1882, the Café Divan gave way to the Café de Paris.

Its belle époque dining room was designed by Rome Prize winner and 1889 World Fair gold medallist Gabriel Ferrier.

In 1900, the modest Hôtel Hermitage was transformed into a luxury resort residence.

In 1911, he gave Monaco a constitutional structure.

The year 1912 saw the first aerial photograph of Monaco taken by Renaux and the first seaplane in the world presented in the port of Monaco by Fabre.

It all started in dire straits: in 1923, ballet impresario Serge Diaghilev put the production of ‘The Rite of Spring’ on hold due to a lack of funds.

In the same year of 1928, the fashion designer had a villa built high in the La Torraca area of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, which she named La Pausa.

In 1929, the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, whose style was reminiscent of luxury hotels in Florida, became a new and prestigious place to summer in Monaco.

In 1931, the colonial-style Sporting d’Eté was built on the seafront.

The Allied victory in 1945 allowed Monte Carlo to get its customers back.

In the meantime, on 8 July 1948, the Principality became a member of the World Health Organisation.

The Hôtel de Paris also hosted the wedding of Errol Flynn in the Empire room in 1952.

In July 1960, the Maona restaurant opened at the Sporting d’Eté.

On 17 December 1962, he endowed the Principality with a new Constitution.

1981 - Opening of the Théâtre Princesse Grace to replace the Théâtre des Beaux-Arts and a new-style Rose Ball featuring Mandy Mesplé.

1992 - Installation of a new fountain on place du Casino.

In 1993, he obtained Monaco’s admission as a Member State in the United Nations Organisation.

On 5 October 2004, after proceedings which had lasted for six years, the Principality of Monaco joined the Council of Europe as the 46th Member State of this organisation.