The Palais des congrès de Montréal celebrates the splendour of nature with the exhibition "La Beauté Sauvera le Monde"

Organized by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (Canada), in partnership with the Palais des congrès de Montréal, the exhibition La Beauté Sauvera le Monde (Beauty Will Save the World) features a series of photographs that offer a singular look at our environment, capturing it in all its splendour. This moving, enthralling and informative exhibition can be viewed for free in the Palais’ public space until December 15, 2024.

The exhibition offers a reflection on the need for humility in the presence of the majesty of nature, through 19 inspiring photographs. The Palais is hosting the exhibition right in the heart of the installation Lipstick Forest. Created in 2002 by landscape architect Claude Cormier, the iconic work in the Palais’s public space offers an immersive framework for a stroll “through nature” among photographs with, as the central theme, the grandeur of nature. A discreet nod to the environmental commitment of the Palais, which has made sustainable development a core element of its business model, its community action and its institutional brand.

The photographic works on display were selected from among the finalists of the Environmental Photography Award of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2). Created in 2021, on the occasion of the Foundation’s 15th anniversary, this competition celebrates photographers who put their creativity to work to raise awareness around environmental protection. The award has the dual purpose of showcasing the breathtaking beauty of our planet and bringing to the forefront the environmental challenges we face today.

The Giant – ©Christian Horras

An introspective journey through five themes

The exhibition La Beauté Sauvera le Monde, with scenography by OASIS immersion, explores our own vulnerability in the heart of the environment, and, between the lines, traces the cultural exchanges between Monaco and Canada, the fruit of a long friendship that dates back to the scientific navigation and exploration of the St. Lawrence River by HSH Prince Albert I, in 1868 and 1913.

Visitors are invited to embark on an introspective journey, where the splendour of nature invites contemplation and recognition of the modest place we occupy within it. The experience unfolds around five themes that come together to call for peaceful coexistence and a heightened awareness of our impact on the world:

A chimpanzee lying on a tree in the jungle

Chimpanzee in the forest – ©Federica Cordero

Exploration of the senses: enchantment through harmony of form and colour Everywhere in the world, nature enchants through the harmony of its forms and colours. Nature offers the gift of beauty and asks nothing in return.
Exploration of humility: The vastness of nature underscores our humble presence within it. Only through humility can we respectfully appreciate and admire this ecosystem.
Exploration of society: individuals, family and community Wildlife oscillates between unity and plurality, the individual and community. Nature reveals its diversity through the cohabitation of life on land, in the sky and under the sea, where beauty is everywhere.
Exploration of body and space: playfulness and authenticity The beauty of wildlife resides in the authenticity of the present moment. While nature can be harsh and complex, it also offers moments of simplicity and purity.
Exploration of transcendence: Freedom and Peace Nature’s harmony and peace teach us balance. The world’s splendour can only survive in its freedom. Even in the most difficult conditions, our environment reveals a transcendent beauty.

FPA2’s commitment to Canada

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is an apolitical international organization working around the world to promote, in collaboration with local communities, effective solutions for our planet’s biodiversity, climate, polar zones, oceans and water resources. The Canadian branch focuses its activities on protecting the Canadian Arctic and its communities.

The exhibition La Beauté Sauvera le Monde opens in parallel with the One Young World Summit 2024 being held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. These two events overlap because of the Foundation’s commitment to One Young World through its RE.GENERATION program, which enabled a delegation of six young leaders from six different countries to attend the Summit this year. By aligning the exhibition with this major international event, the Foundation is reaffirming its support for youth and initiatives for a sustainable future.

Aerial view of the pack ice with a heart-shaped iceberg

The Palais is pleased to be hosting and offering visitors and Montrealers alike the exhibition La Beauté Sauvera le Monde, organized by the Albert II of Monaco Foundation (Canada). This exceptional event showcases the importance of beauty and art in promoting sustainable development and the preservation of our planet. We hope that this exhibition will inspire our visitors to reflect on the critical role each of us can play to protect our environment.

– Emmanuelle Legault, President and CEO of the Palais des congrès de Montréal

In a world full of challenges and change, Nature reminds us, powerfully and wisely, of the essence of life. With beauty all around us, humans can, sometimes with little effort, seek it, cultivate it, cherish it and protect it. In doing so, they’re stepping up and working for future generations.

– Dr. Diane Vachon, President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (Canada)