16 Septembre 2013
A LOST CAUSE? HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL.
It was created as a marvel of Art Deco design … now SBM think it is an ugly duckling ….”the only thing worth saving is the Salle des Arts … and they can make a copy of that in the new building”.
One of the rare examples of the Art Deco period in the Principality and one of the few left in Europe, the elegant Sporting d’Hiver was built in the 1930’s (les Annees Folles), the first cement building constructed in Monaco. Designed by Charles Letrosne (architect of the Palm Beach in Cannes) it represents the explosion of extravagance after the devastation of WWI, when girls bobbed their hair, abandoned frills and furbelows for new, short, elegant dresses and danced the Charleston. a time of innovative art and new design, when architects built simple, streamlined, stylish buildings. If it were in France or another European city, it would be protected as an historic building to be preserved for future generations.
This unique Art Deco building plays an important role in the heart of Monte Carlo, the cornerstone of the Carre d’Or in Place du Casino. The casino, Hotel de Paris and Hotel Hermitage have fortunately been preserved not only as superb examples of the Belle Epoque period but as a part of the Monte Carlo story which attracts tourists from far and wide. Built 50 years later, in the magical years of Les Ballets Russes, Diaghilev, Nijinsky , Fokine and Leon Bakst, the Sporting d’Hiver is a part of the spirit and soul of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, an important part of the history of the Principality.
Tragically, it seems it is destined to be the next victim of Monaco’s modern expansion programme. Neglected for several years, like many old buildings it has never been cleaned or refurbished. Instead of restoring it to its original glory and preserving it for future generations, SBM plan to tear it down and replace it with a huge modern complex of luxury apartments, offices and shopping centre, extending into the Casino gardens. The government’s response to appeals for its preservation explains everything: “Although the government recognises the importance of protecting Monaco's national heritage …. this should not happen at the expense of economic development and optimising of space”. Suggestions that it would be and ideal location for a Museum of Modern Art (Monaco’s Guggenheim) where Monte Carlo Ballet’s wonderful collection of memorabilia and art and other private collections could be displayed, or a prestigious emporium of highest quality luxury goods, such as Harrods of London, both of which would be attractive to visitors and tourists, were summarily dismissed as not economically viable.
Is it too late? Is it bulldozers at dawn in the New Year? Is there a green party in Monaco to fight to save the trees in the adjoining gardens? Is there anyone interested in stopping this march of the invading skyscrapers? According to Bernard Lambert, Director General of SBM, “it is a lost cause”. All lovers of lost causes and Don Quixotes, unite! Let’s tilt our swords at another windmill.
Molly Brown
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