Summary:
Monaco commemorates the 80th anniversary of its liberation from the Nazis with an exhibition at the Ministry of State.
Full Story:
Monaco recently commemorated the 80th anniversary of its liberation from the Nazis. As part of the celebrations, a exhibition titled “Monaco Liberé!” was opened to the public at the Ministry of State in Monaco Ville. The exhibition, which will run until January 31, 2025, features photographs from various archives and highlights the significant moments of that historic event. It was prepared in collaboration with the National Archives Configuration Mission, the Prince’s Palace Archives, the Monaco Audiovisual Institute, and the Monaco Media Library.
On September 3, 1944, Monaco was liberated by American troops and the resistance. Prior to its liberation, Monaco faced difficulties such as rationing of water, food, and electricity shortages, despite its neutrality. It also experienced a violent bombardment by allied forces to flush out and drive away the Germans. The Principality suffered significant damages and casualties during this time.
There was an attempt by French communists to annex Monaco to France, but this was thwarted by the Americans. Prince Rainier, who was 21 years old at the time, became the heir to the throne and regained power. The exhibition presents this story through period photographs and a video, curated by four experts in Monegasque history: Vincent Vatrican (IAM), Thomas Feuilleron (Director of the Prince’s Palace Archives), Professor and Researcher CMMC, Stephane Lamotte, and Michaël Bloche (Director of the National Archives Configuration Mission).
The exhibition showcases the effects of a bombing that destroyed the Baths, the station, and severely damaged the hospital, which had a giant red cross painted on its roof.
Source:
montecarloin
