Please Note: This is a free program, registration required. Registration for current Smithsonian Associates members will begin on Thursday, May 14, 2026 and the general public on Monday May 18, 2026.
American film star Grace Kelly became Princess Grace of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III in 1956. She is celebrated for her elegance, philanthropy, and lasting influence on fashion and cinema. An avid gardener, she loved flowers—especially roses—and spent time tending gardens at her homes. She was honored by having an elegant blush-pink rose named after her. To acknowledge the warm relationship between Monaco and the United States, the Smithsonian Institution and the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco are commemorating the life and legacy of Princess Grace and her enduring spirit.
A historian shares a presentation focused on Princess Grace, her support for the performing arts, and her life as a Hollywood icon, followed by a conversation between subject matter experts. Afterward, guests enjoy a light reception in an Arts and Industries Building room adorned with a rose display curated by Smithsonian Gardens. The reception includes a photo opportunity with the step and repeat photo wall from To Catch a Thief, a film in which the princess had played a starring role.
Presented in collaboration with the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco and Smithsonian Gardens.
About the Enduring Power of International Exchange series
Hosted in partnership with Smithsonian's Office of Global Affairs and with embassies that have built strong, lasting relationships with the United States, this series honors the vital role diplomacy, cultural exchange, and mutual respect have played in shaping our nation and its place in the world. From the earliest days surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence to contemporary collaborations in science, art, and global affairs, embassy relationships have helped advance dialogue and deepened understanding. In this milestone year, these programs underscore how international friendships—nurtured through history, culture, and creativity—continue to strengthen the American story. Each program is free, requires registration, and includes a reception.
The Enduring Power of International Exchange is organized by Smithsonian Associates as part of the Smithsonian's "Our Shared Future: 250."
Additional Enduring Power of International Exchange programs
General Information
- Registration for this program will end by 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
