Albert I, Prince of Monaco acquired a piece of land in Les Moneghetti in 1912.[1] He commissioned Louis Notari, the Chief Engineer of Monaco, to build a new garden with footbridges.[1] During the construction, Notari found a grotto underneath in 1916.[1] Meanwhile, the garden was finished in 1933.[1] Monegasque agronomist Louis Vatrican served as its first director from 1933 to 1969.[2] He added African succulents to the existing South American plants.[2] After he retired in 1969, he was succeeded by Marcel Kroenlein.[2]
The grotto was opened to the public in 1950, but it may only be visited with specialized guides. Evidence of prehistoric human inhabitants has been found in the cave.[1] There is a Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology within the Exotic Garden displaying many of those prehistoric remains.[1] It was founded by Prince Albert I in 1902.
Closure
As of 2023, the garden closed to carry out renovations and security upgrades. However, the botanical center remained open. The garden opened each Saturday at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM for reserved guided tours.[3]
References
^ abcdefghCohen, Paul; Brenda, Cohen (December 1998). "Le Jardin Exotique, Les Grottes de L'Observatoire, and Le Musée D'Anthropolgie Préhistorique in Monaco". Journal of College Science Teaching. 28 (3): 208–209. JSTOR42990109.