Founded on March 3, 1948 by Prince Louis II, the Monegasque Red Cross was recognized the same year by the International Committee of the Red Cross and admitted to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Although the Monegasque Red Cross operates mainly on a territory of 2km2, it has an important place among the 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. Locally, the Social Service helps people living in Monaco and neighbouring communes who are facing financial difficulties or emergency situations. The many volunteers in the first-aid section are present at all first-aid posts for events organized in the Principality and abroad. The Health-Prevention Section enables health professionals, doctors and nurses to provide training and raise awareness among Monaco's population.
The Gala is the Red Cross' flagship event. It is a Gala of generosity that raises funds each year to continue local social activities and international emergency actions and is part of the Monte Carlo Summer Festival.
Since 1948, when the Monegasque Red Cross was founded, charity shows have been organized to raise funds for its humanitarian activities. In 1957, the Gala took shape at the Salle des Étoiles, welcoming renowned artists for unique shows every summer, with equally famous presenters. The tombola, a popular feature of the evening, is always endowed with prestigious prizes to delight guests.
In 2021, the Monegasque Red Cross has reinvented itself with a new formula. H.S.H. Prince Albert II has decided to bring this great social gathering of generosity to the Place du Casino.
On July 18, 2022, the Monegasque Red Cross once again invited guests to the Place du Casino for its annual gala. Guests were first invited to a dinner on the Casino terrace, before attending a concert by Alicia Keys.
On July 29, 2023, the Monegasque Red Cross returned to tradition at the Salle des Étoiles du Sporting de Monte-Carlo to celebrate its 74th Gala, starring Robbie Williams.
For over 30 years, the CRM has amassed an exceptional collection of artworks, including unique pieces by world-renowned artists, specially donated for the annual gala and illustrating the values of the CRM. While some of the works are on display at the CRM headquarters, others have been transferred for temporary exhibition to the headquarters of the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) under an agreement co-signed by the CRM and the IFRC.
Every year, spectators and guests of the Monegasque Red Cross continue to show their solidarity under the presidency of Prince Rainier III (from 1949 to 1958), Princess Grace (1958 to 1982), and Prince Albert II since December 1982.
