After a long six-year closure, the Jardin Exotique de Monaco—one of the Principality’s most iconic attractions—will finally reopen to the public on 30 March 2026. Perched high above Monaco on the Moyenne Corniche, the dramatic botanical garden offers sweeping views over the Mediterranean and Monte-Carlo. Its reopening marks the end of an extensive renovation project aimed at preserving the historic site while upgrading safety and visitor facilities.
Full-scale restoration project
The Exotic Garden first closed its gates in 2020, initially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, authorities soon discovered that much more work was required than expected. Because the garden is built on steep limestone cliffs, engineers identified structural risks linked to rock stability and potential rockfalls, which posed safety concerns for visitors.
What began as temporary repairs quickly evolved into a full-scale restoration project. Specialists had to stabilize large sections of rock face, reinforce the cliff structures, and modernize the pathways and footbridges that connect the garden’s terraced levels. These works were essential to guarantee the long-term safety of the site, which sits dramatically above the city and has welcomed visitors since its original opening in 1933.
The project also experienced multiple delays. Early plans expected the garden to reopen around 2022, but the complexity of the engineering work and funding challenges pushed the timeline back several times. Ultimately, Monaco decided to take the opportunity to completely modernize the site rather than simply repair it.
How much Monaco invested
The renovation represents a significant investment in Monaco’s cultural and natural heritage.
- The Monaco Government invested around €17 million.
- The Monaco Town Hall contributed approximately €1.5 million.
Together, this brought the total investment to about €18.5 million for the restoration and modernization of the Exotic Garden.
The works included:
- Stabilization and consolidation of the cliff and rock formations
- Replacement of several footbridges and pathways
- Reconstruction of safety barriers and visitor walkways
- A redesigned entrance and reception area
- Upgraded facilities and visitor spaces
These improvements ensure that the garden remains safe while preserving its spectacular natural character.
What visitors can expect from the reopening
When the garden reopens on Monday, 30 March 2026, it will welcome visitors daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A special preview day will take place on 29 March, offering free entry to Monaco residents before the official public opening.
Visitors will discover a site that is both restored and enhanced. Among the key highlights:
A redesigned entrance and visitor facilities
A completely new reception area has been created by architect Frédéric Genin, bringing a more modern welcome to the historic site. Ticketing areas, pathways, and railings have been replaced to improve both safety and comfort.
Improved terraces and panoramic viewpoints
The garden’s famous terraced paths have been rebuilt, allowing visitors to stroll through the plant collections while enjoying spectacular views over Monaco, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding Riviera coastline.
Thousands of exotic plants and cacti
The garden remains one of Europe’s most remarkable succulent collections, featuring plants from arid regions such as Mexico, South Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Many species bloom at different times of the year, meaning the garden offers changing scenery throughout the seasons.
New leisure spaces and family areas
As part of the modernization, new features have been added, including a children’s play area, event spaces, and a bar area where visitors can relax while overlooking the coastline.
The Observatory Cave experience
Another highlight of the site is the Observatory Cave, a natural cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours will once again allow visitors to explore this underground geological wonder.
A landmark reborn
For many residents and frequent visitors to the French Riviera, the reopening of the Jardin Exotique is highly anticipated. The garden has long been a symbol of Monaco’s unique blend of nature, science, and spectacular scenery.
With its dramatic cliffside setting, extraordinary plant collection, and newly modernized facilities, the Exotic Garden is set to become once again one of the most impressive viewpoints and botanical attractions on the Côte d’Azur.
On 30 March 2026, after years of silence behind construction fences, the terraces above Monaco will finally bloom again. 🌵🌿
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