A GALLERY IN MONACO TELLS THE GLORIOUS STORY OF AN ITALIAN SHIPYARD
Read my latest article on Robb Report Italia about the Riva gallery in Monaco.
Nestled inside a tunnel carved into the rock, just steps from Port Hercule, the Riva Gallery in Monaco is more than a showroom — it’s a temple of Italian elegance, history, and innovation. I had the privilege of exploring this hidden gem and writing about it for Robb Report Italia.
From the mahogany masterpieces built by Carlo Riva, to vintage photographs of icons like Brigitte Bardot and Richard Burton aboard their Rivas, the Gallery is a journey through timeless glamour. There’s even a dedicated workshop where artisans bring these floating works of art back to life.
👉 Read my full article in English below, and click the link to access the original version in Italian on Robb Report Italia.
🇬🇧 FULL ARTICLE – English Translation
The Riva Gallery in Monaco: Where the Dream Begins
Inside a tunnel carved into the rock of Monaco, just a few steps from Port Hercule, lies the Riva Gallery – a sanctuary of timeless elegance and craftsmanship dedicated to the world’s most iconic motorboats.
Created in 1959 by Carlo Riva, with the support of Prince Rainier III, the Monaco Boat Service houses this 300-meter gallery tunnel. Originally designed to offer direct sea access and shelter for the legendary mahogany runabouts, it remains a place of wonder, history, and innovation.
Visitors are greeted by original advertising campaigns and rare photographs that highlight the deep connection between the Riva lifestyle and the golden age of cinema: Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Richard Burton, and Liz Taylor are just some of the glamorous names tied to the brand.
At the heart of the gallery is a fully operational workshop, where skilled artisans restore vintage cushions using authentic Riva fabrics — some of which were once life jackets. Carpentry and mechanical work are carried out with utmost precision, breathing new life into these nautical icons.
Today, the Monaco Boat Service continues to support Riva owners with maintenance, storage, and restoration. But the Gallery has also become a cultural venue, hosting events like ArtMontecarlo and exhibitions in collaboration with the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, uniting maritime legacy with contemporary creativity.
👉 Click here to read the original article in Italian on Robb Report Italia
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