Arbalette Room Divider by Valérie Mannaerts. Photo: Nomad Monaco

The NOMAD design fair is set to step foot into Monaco‘s art scene with its inaugural exhibition taking place from April 27 to 30.  Perched up on a cliff, the fair is poised to take place in La Vigie, one of the oldest houses in Monaco. Built in 1902 for the British publishing magnate Sir William Ingram, it was a party hub for the French Riviera high society at the turn of the century. It remained unoccupied until 1986, when it was restored and then inhabited by designer Karl Lagerfeld in the 1990s. Now an ensemble of international galleries will present designers and artists there, via solo shows, showcases of rare pieces, and selections of new work.

The galleries span different territories, extending from contemporary design from the Middle East to Russian porcelain to Brazilian. The galleries participating in the first edition include: Alamak!, Tokyo; Galerie BSL, Paris; Giustini / Stagetti Galleria O., Rome; Carwan Gallery, Beirut; David Gill Gallery, London; Etage Projects, Copenhagen; Gallery FUMI, London; Heritage Gallery, Moscow; Louise Alexander Gallery, Sardinia; MANIERA, Brussels; Massimo De Carlo, Milan, London, Hong Kong; Nilufar, Milan; SEEDS, London.

These galleries were selected from a long list of applications, representing the best in global collectable design (there is even a waiting list). Each will present a show or installation in a specific part of the villa: from bedroom to bathroom, kitchen to terrace. A Special Projects section will feature Serpentine Galleries and an installation of jewelry and sculpture by Christophe Graber; a talks and events program will be held in the gardens.

NOMAD was founded by Giorgio Pace (a publishing, art and luxury brand specialist, having staged projects and events with partners from Garage Museum of Contemporary Art to Rick Owens to Pierre Huyghe) and Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte (co-founder and art director of Carwan Gallery in Beirut who has commissioned special projects).

As the name suggests, NOMAD will travel to different destinations of architectural significance that will further explore design and context.

For more information, visit NOMAD.