Association des Cartophiles de Monaco

The Association des Cartophiles de Monaco embodies the passion and desire to preserve a precious part of Monegasque history: old postcards and iconographic documents. More than a simple collection, cartophily enables us to better understand the urban, social and cultural evolution of the Principality through media that are both aesthetically pleasing and historically rich. Founded by lovers of the images of yesteryear, the Association brings together enthusiasts from all walks of life, be they recognized specialists, enlightened amateurs or the curious in search of new discoveries.

At the heart of its mission is the desire to collect and protect a variety of visual documents: postcards, photographs, engravings, posters and other forgotten treasures. This collection constitutes a living memory, bearing witness to the transformation of Monaco over the decades. Panoramic views of Port Hercule, portraits of the princely family, street scenes and buildings no longer in existence form a unique iconographic corpus. Through these representations, members of the Association aim to bring the past to life and shed light on the Principality's economic, social and architectural upheavals.

The Association des Cartophiles de Monaco regularly organizes thematic exhibitions, in which it unveils nuggets from its collection. These events are an opportunity not only to introduce the general public to cartophily, but also to encourage exchanges between collectors. The exhibitions highlight the diversity of the themes covered: the art of living in Monaco, sporting and social events, snapshots of everyday life or commemorations of significant historical events. Each postcard, each photograph tells an anecdote, a fragment of life, creating a sensitive link between the visitor and local history.

In addition to preserving and promoting our visual heritage, the Association is also committed to the transmission of knowledge and education. Conferences, educational workshops and publications aim to awaken the curiosity of the youngest members of society, and to stimulate the interest of future generations in cartophily. Experienced collectors are happy to share their knowledge and restoration methods, explaining, for example, how to date and identify a card, how to preserve the quality of supports, or how to recognize rare prints. This didactic approach creates a real spirit of conviviality, where everyone learns from each other and contributes to the collective advancement of research.

At the same time, the Association des Cartophiles de Monaco organizes meetings and exchanges. These gatherings attract not only local members, but also enthusiasts from the region and even neighbouring countries. Exchanges and sales of postcards help to circulate previously unpublished items, enrich personal collections and preserve Monaco's visual heritage. Members also forge links, sharing anecdotes and personal favorites based on a common interest in old pictures.

In this way, the Association des Cartophiles de Monaco acts as a guardian of memory, while encouraging sharing and conviviality. In a context where the image occupies a central place, this structure reminds us of the importance of looking back to better understand the present. Thanks to the commitment of its members and the passion it inspires, it perpetuates the cartophile tradition, contributing fully to the cultural influence of the Principality of Monaco and the preservation of its visual history for generations to come.