A five-minute walk from the Port Palace, the Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco displays nearly one hundred exceptional automobiles, from a 1903 De Dion Bouton to Formula 1 cars. Hours, tickets and tips: our complete guide.
On the quayside of Port Hercule, a few metres from the water where the Mediterranean's finest yachts drop anchor, the Monaco car museum houses one of the most fascinating private collections in the world. The Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco brings together nearly one hundred exceptional automobiles, from a 1903 De Dion Bouton to the Formula 1 cars that made Grand Prix history. Opening hours, tickets, must-see cars, directions: here is our complete guide to planning your visit, with tips from a hotel lucky enough to count this museum among its closest neighbours.
The Prince of Monaco car collection: the story of a royal passion
It all began in the late 1950s. Prince Rainier III, a true car enthusiast, acquired his first vintage automobiles. Over the years, the collection grew with monumental silhouettes, majestic coachwork and regal grilles, until the garage of the Prince's Palace became far too small to hold it.
In 1993, Prince Rainier III decided to open his treasures to the public. The collection was first displayed on the Terrasses de Fontvieille, where generations of visitors discovered it. Then, in July 2022, it moved into a modern, strikingly staged home built on Port Hercule, next to the Rainier III nautical stadium.
Today, 3,500 square metres of exhibition space trace more than a century of automotive history, enriched and maintained under the impetus of Prince Albert II. A collection unlike any other in the world, set in the heart of one of the most legendary harbours on the planet.
What to see at the Monaco car museum?
The scenography of the new building showcases nearly one hundred vehicles, presented by theme. Three worlds stand out as you walk through.
The great classics: from the 1903 De Dion Bouton to Rolls Royce
The tour opens with the pioneers and pre-war coachwork: the 1903 De Dion Bouton, the oldest car in the collection, alongside Hispano Suiza, Delage, Delahaye and Packard models with sumptuous lines, not forgetting the British Rolls Royce, Napier and Humber. Lovers of French elegance will also admire the Facel Vega, a symbol of 1950s automotive luxury.
Formula 1 and the Monte-Carlo Rally: motorsport legends
Monaco and motor racing are inseparable. The museum displays the single-seaters that wrote the history of the Monaco Grand Prix, up to a 2013 Lotus F1, as well as winning cars from the Monte-Carlo Rally. Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and Alfa Romeo complete a sporting panorama that sets every enthusiast's heart racing.
If you are visiting the Principality in spring, take the experience further with our guide to the Monaco Grand Prix, whose circuit runs just metres from the museum.
The princely family's cars
This is the most intimate side of the collection: the vehicles linked to the history of the Grimaldi family, including the hybrid Lexus from the 2011 princely wedding of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. Each car tells a moment in the life of the Principality, somewhere between protocol and mechanical passion.
💡 Concierge's tip
« Visit the museum in the late afternoon, then walk up the quay towards the Yacht Club: at golden hour, the light over Port Hercule and the Rock is magnificent. In summer, the 7pm closing time lets you follow the visit with dinner overlooking the yachts. »
Opening hours, tickets and directions: practical information
What are the opening hours?
The museum is open every day, with hours that vary by season:
- 1 January to 30 June: last entry at 5pm, doors close at 6pm
- 1 July to 31 August: last entry at 6pm, doors close at 7pm
- 1 September to 31 December: last entry at 5pm, doors close at 6pm
Doors open daily at 10am. Please note: the museum closes exceptionally on Grand Prix weekends (Historic Grand Prix, E-Prix and Formula 1 Grand Prix), as the circuit runs right past its doors. Check the dates on the official website before your visit.
How much are tickets?
Tickets can be purchased on site or online through the official ticketing service of the Prince's Palace. The museum is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
How do you get to the car museum?
The Cars Collection is located at 54 route de la Piscine, right on Port Hercule, next to the Rainier III nautical stadium. From Monaco-Monte-Carlo train station, allow about ten minutes on foot walking down towards the harbour. If you arrive by car, the harbour and La Condamine car parks are the closest options.
From the Port Palace, the walk is a pleasure in itself: five minutes along the quays, between the yachts and the terraces. The museum is arguably the closest major cultural site to our boutique hotel on Port Hercule.
How long should you plan, and when is the best time to visit?
Allow between 1 and 1.5 hours to explore the exhibition at a comfortable pace, longer if you are a true motoring enthusiast who wants to read every display panel. The route is smooth, air-conditioned and pleasant even at the height of summer: an excellent option during the hottest hours of the day.
For a quieter visit, choose early morning right at the 10am opening, or late afternoon on weekdays. In summer, the extended 7pm closing time means you can follow your visit with an aperitif on the harbour at sunset.
Extending the automotive and cultural experience in Monaco
The museum sits in a neighbourhood that lives to the rhythm of the sea and of engines. A few minutes' walk away, the Yacht Club de Monaco and its Norman Foster architecture overlook the water, while the shops of La Condamine invite you to wander.
Car lovers should also keep an eye on the programme of the Grimaldi Forum, whose summer 2026 exhibition is devoted to the history of Monaco and the automobile from 1893 to the present day. Combined with the Prince's Collection, it makes for a full day dedicated to the Principality's motoring legend.
And if this is your first time in Monaco, our guide to the must-see sights of the Principality will help you plan your itinerary.
The Port Palace experience: stay five minutes from the museum
Staying at the Port Palace means making Port Hercule the starting point for all your discoveries. Our 50 rooms and suites look directly over the harbour and the Rock: when you wake, the panorama takes in the yachts, the Prince's Palace and the quay where the car museum sits.
Our guests enjoy a dedicated concierge service to arrange every detail of their stay, from booking the visit to discovering the Principality's other museums. And after a day of exploring, the terrace of La Môme Monte-Carlo, on the hotel's 6th floor, offers a Mediterranean interlude as the sun sets over the harbour.
Discover our rooms and suites overlooking Port Hercule and let the magic of Monaco work its charm.
Port Palace Monaco
Sleep 5 minutes from the car museum, facing Port Hercule
Our 50 rooms and suites overlook the harbour and the Rock. Dedicated concierge service for our guests, rooftop restaurant and the best location in Monaco for exploring the Principality on foot.
Book your stayFAQ: your questions about the Monaco car museum
How much does entry to the Monaco car museum cost?
An adult ticket costs 15 euros. The student rate is 13 euros, entry for children aged 6 to 17 is 10 euros, and the visit is free for children under 6.
Where is the Prince of Monaco car collection located?
The museum is located at 54 route de la Piscine, on Port Hercule, next to the Rainier III nautical stadium. It is about a 10-minute walk from Monaco train station and 5 minutes from the Port Palace.
How long does it take to visit the museum?
Allow between 1 and 1.5 hours to discover all the vehicles displayed across 3,500 square metres. Motoring enthusiasts can easily spend two hours there.
Is the museum open during the Monaco Grand Prix?
No, the museum closes on race weekends (Formula 1 Grand Prix, Historic Grand Prix, E-Prix), as the circuit runs right past the entrance. Check the official website mtcc.mc for the current year's exceptional closures.
Is the car museum suitable for children?
Yes, families love the visit. Children are fascinated by the Formula 1 cars and vintage automobiles, the route is short and accessible, and entry is free for under-6s.
In short: an unmissable visit on Port Hercule
With nearly one hundred exceptional automobiles, a modern building at the water's edge and reasonably priced tickets, the Monaco car museum stands out as one of the finest visits in the Principality. For more information, see the official website of the Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco.
And to enjoy the experience without any constraints, stay facing the harbour: the Port Palace puts you a five-minute walk from the museum, in the beating heart of Monaco.
