The history of Monte-Carlo’s iconic Casino is the subject of a new book by Charlotte Lubert-Notari, Heritage Manager at the Société des Bains de Mer, which explores the architecture, interiors and cultural significance of one of Monaco’s most recognisable landmarks.
Casino de Monte-Carlo: The Grand Art of Gaming traces the building’s origins in the 19th century, when it became central to the development of Monte-Carlo as an international destination. Under businessman and property developer François Blanc, the Casino formed part of a wider vision for the principality, in which gaming was accompanied by grand hotels, gardens, performances and social events.
The publication examines the architectural and artistic contributions that shaped the building, including those of Charles Garnier, the architect behind Paris’s Palais Garnier opera house. It also documents the Casino’s evolving interiors, taking readers through spaces such as the monumental Atrium, Salle Europe, Salon Rose, Salle des Amériques and Salle Blanche.
Each room reflects the work of successive generations of architects, artists, sculptors and decorators, illustrating how the building has developed over time. Its enduring cultural presence is also explored through its appearances on screen, including in Never Say Never Again (1983), GoldenEye (1995) and Ocean’s Twelve (2004).
The book draws on historic photographs from the Société des Bains de Mer archives, documenting Monaco’s international social scene throughout the 20th century, alongside contemporary images of the Casino today.
Its subject extends beyond the history of gaming to consider the role the building played in establishing Monte-Carlo’s identity. The Casino’s development helped create a destination where architecture, entertainment and hospitality were closely intertwined, laying the foundations for the image of Monaco as a centre of international glamour.
Through its architectural history and photographic record, Casino de Monte-Carlo: The Grand Art of Gaming documents the evolution of a landmark whose significance reaches beyond its original purpose, reflecting the broader transformation of Monte-Carlo into one of the Mediterranean’s most recognisable luxury destinations.
