Princess Grace Irish Library celebrates its 40th anniversary
Princess Grace Irish Library celebrates its 40th anniversary - The Princess Grace Irish Library here in the Principality is today celebrating its 40th anniversary. Created by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in memory of his late wife, Princess Grace it was inaugurated on this day, November 20th, 1984. Princess Grace had always expressed a deep affection for her Irish roots and inspired its creation. Located just a stone’s throw away from the Palace of Monaco since it opened the library has acquired over 12,000 works.
This year’s celebrations highlight “A Retrospective of the Life of Princess Grace: Her Irish Origins and Passion for Irish Culture.” Visitors can discover and explore Grace Kelly’s family history, tracing her roots back to her grandfather, John Kelly, who emigrated from Ireland to America at the age of 20.The library also holds a unique collection of Irish American books, historical references, and an array of sheet music collected by Princess Grace herself and is a true testament to her passion for Irish culture and connects three countries which were close to her heart: Ireland, the United States, and the Principality of Monaco.
In addition, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation is hosting a musical lunch this Wednesday lunchtime at its conference hall in Monaco for the 40th anniversary of the Princess Grace Irish Library. It was of course earlier this year in May, that the Stelios Foundation hosted the film premiere of ‘Quintessentially Irish’ for the Princess Grace Irish Library. The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation gives back to society by supporting a diverse range of good causes in our local communities that we call close to home: the UK & Ireland, Monaco & France, Greece & Cyprus, where the founder Sir Stelios and his family have lived and worked. The foundation is funded by donations from the easyGroup.