Visitors admire works by European artists. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

Some exhibits also show the princes' interest in China.

One of the books on display, which was published in 1665 and comes from the Library of the Prince's Palace in Monaco, plots the journeys made by the Dutch East India company in China.

During the 19th century, the focus of Monaco switched from agriculture to tourism as Monte Carlo developed as an entertainment destination. An old map in the exhibition shows the boundaries of Monaco at that time.

Fouilleron says one of the most important elements of this exhibition was to demonstrate the Grimaldis' artistic tastes by displaying examples from their numerous collections of paintings.

Monaco has been generous enough to loan many works by iconic artists such as Titian, Monet, and Renoir, and the paintings were carefully selected for their connection to the principality.

For instance, visitors may feel that Monet enjoyed his trip to the country from his dreamlike touches in the 1884 canvasses Monte Carlo Seen from Roquebrune and The Bay of Monaco.

Of course, one name is unavoidable when talking about Monaco. Grace Kelly, the late Hollywood movie star and former princess of Monaco, has been given the privilege of having an entire section dedicated to her at the exhibition.

From her wedding gown, to her jewelry, costumes and even to her Oscar for winning best actress at the Academy Awards in 1954, Kelly's legendary lifetime of elegance both on and off screen, is recounted to visitors through a variety of exhibits.

The costume worn by Albert II, the current ruler of Monaco, on his wedding in 2011 and the tiara he gave to Princess Charlene, also lend a modern touch to the ancient architecture of the Meridian Gate.