On September 3, Monaco commemorated the 80th anniversary of its World War II liberation with the opening of a special exhibition titled “Monaco Liberated! 3 September – 28 December 1944.” Hosted at the Hall of the Ministry of State, the event was inaugurated by the new Minister of State, who delivered his first public address, underscoring his commitment to Monaco and its citizens.
Running until January 31, 2025, the exhibition delves into the final months of 1944, from the Allied landings in Provence on August 15 to the dissolution of Monaco’s Liberation Committee on December 28. It features a curated collection of photographs, documents, and personal testimonies that recount the pivotal events leading up to Monaco’s liberation by American forces on September 3, 1944. The display also highlights the harsh conditions endured by the population during this tumultuous period, including bombings, shortages, and political strife.
The commemoration began with a solemn ceremony at the war memorial, led by HSH Prince Albert, who has previously attended similar ceremonies, including those marking the Normandy and Provence landings earlier this year. The Prince, joined by international leaders, paid tribute to the American and French forces who played crucial roles in liberating Monaco.
The exhibition not only covers the events of Monaco’s liberation but also provides insight into the broader context, including political upheavals and the stabilizing presence of French forces post-liberation. It features rare archival materials and testimonies from key figures such as Dr. Jean Drouhard, a hospital surgeon, and Jean Deflassieux, a young resistance fighter.
A special stamp commemorating General Frederick, the leader of the American forces that liberated Monaco, was unveiled as part of the anniversary events. The year-long commemoration will include additional programs organized by the Monaco Media Library, the Audiovisual Institute, and the Department of Education, Youth, and Sports, aimed at preserving the historical memory and honoring the sacrifices of World War II.
The exhibition will remain open until January 31, 2025, as part of Monaco’s ongoing efforts to remember and reflect on the end of World War II in Europe.
