Exotic Garden of Monaco
About This Museum
Perched on the side of a cliff, the Exotic Garden of Monaco feels less like a traditional museum and more like a journey through an alien landscape. It all began in 1933, when Prince Albert I envisioned transforming this rugged terrain into a showcase for the world's most resilient plants. Today, you can wander paths that zigzag past spiky sentinels from Mexico and bizarre, bloated trunks from Africa. The air is thick with the scent of dry earth and sun-warmed stone, punctuated by the distant hum of the city below.
Collection Highlights
Look for the towering Mexican giant cardon, a cactus that seems to scrape the sky, and the otherworldly Aloe dichotoma from South Africa with its forked branches. One of the most fascinating spots is tucked away in a grotto below—a prehistoric cave where you can see ancient stalactites and evidence of early human inhabitants.
Visitor Information
Wear good shoes; it's a steep but utterly rewarding climb. The garden is open daily, though hours shift with the seasons, so it's best to check their website before you head up the hill.
Architecture & Building
The garden itself is an architectural feat, with stone terraces and winding staircases carved directly into the cliff face, creating a series of intimate outdoor rooms that frame panoramic views of Monaco.
Contact & Location
Address: Jardin Exotique, 62, Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, Jardin Exotique, Monaco, 98000, Monaco
Phone: +377 93 15 29 80
Website: Visit Website
