Every summer, a giant open-air cinema is set up on the roof of the Fishermen’s parking lots in Monaco, in a remarkable setting. We attended a screening and here’s what we thought.
Perched on the Monegasque rock, between the iconic oceanographic museum and the waves of the Mediterranean, stands the Monaco Open Air Festival. With our backs to the sea, we face the event’s centerpiece: the big screen, a very big screen. Indeed, it is considered to be the largest in Europe with its 220m2.
These dimensions allow for total immersion in the cinematic universe you have chosen for the evening. Visibility is optimal no matter where you choose to sit. And there is plenty of seating, with a capacity of 500 seats.
Between 12 and 23 euros
The ticket office opens at 9 PM for a showtime starting at 9:30 PM and the film beginning at 10 PM. From August 1st, the schedule changes and starts half an hour earlier. The ticket counter allows you to get a ticket for the same night, as no reservation is possible even online. It is recommended to come a bit early if you want to choose your seat and have quicker access to the snack bar. By 9 PM, a queue was already stretching down into the parking hall.
Expect to pay between 12 euros and 23 euros for a seat. The prices correspond to the seating options offered, from the most basic to the most comfortable. Classic plastic chair, green deckchair, and small brown sofa are the three options. However, there is a student rate of 9 euros which does not allow for choosing the comfort of your seat. We chose the intermediate option at 18 euros which allows for reclining the seat and also having a table available. Note that dogs are allowed.
A Tasty and Comfortable Experience
And what would a successful cinema session be without its traditional popcorn? To satisfy those sweet cravings or others, a snack bar is open on site, throughout the screening. Do not expect to be able to eat a full or balanced meal. On the menu: croque monsieur, cheeseburger, hotdog, nachos, fries, and various types of chips. On the sweet side, you will find a nice selection of candies, waffles, or even ice creams. Non-alcoholic drinks and various types of alcohol are available.
Once seated and stocked up for the evening, it’s time to enjoy the setting magnified by the colors of the sunset in a comfortable deckchair. The ambiance is intimate and warm. Just turn your head to get a breathtaking view of the sea and the few yachts bathing in it. Despite the heatwave, the air is breathable thanks to its location. Twenty-five minutes before the film starts, we are treated to the adventures of Mr. Bean, followed by the usual advertisements and trailers.
A Current Lineup
On tomorrow’s program: one of the most anticipated films of the year: Oppenheimer by Christopher Nolan. All summer, until September 3rd the open-air cinema offers a film just released in theaters every night. Adventure, horror, action, superhero movies, there is something for every taste in terms of genres.
Featured at the festival is a beautiful selection of films. Open since June 14, the lineup for the second half of the summer has just been announced. You will find nine feature films: Barbie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning, Part 1, Haunted Mansion, The Meg 2: The Trench, Gran Turismo, Blue Beetle, Hypnotic, and The Equalizer 3. Note that all films are screened in their original version, with French subtitles.
For more information: +377.93.25.86.80
Address: Parking du Chemin des pêcheurs, exit level 2, 98000 Monaco.
