Neo Art & Culture Lab x by Vogelart present Encre Sympathique

 

Art has long been woven into the rich history of the Côte d’Azur, and the upcoming exhibition Encre sympathique at Neo Art & Culture Lab x at Vogelart promises to be a must-visit for anyone captivated by the world of contemporary creativity.

Encre sympathique is an art exhibition curated by Thomas Zitzwitz at the NEO in Nice, France. The theme of the exhibition Encre sympathique is based on the novel of the same name by Patrick Modiano… I also like the play on words associated with it when you translate the title directly into English... sympathetic ink?

What does that mean? As you know, it‘s the French word for invisible ink... when I was a child, I lived very close to Nice in Èze and went to a small village school there... I wrote my secrets in invisible ink in a notebook... » Thomas Zitzwitz

Invited artists: Alicja Kwade, Andi Fischer, André Wendland, César Piette, Dietmar Lutz, Emily Sundblad, Eva Claessens, Fabian Treiber, Felix Schramm, Gabriel Kuri, Georg Herold, Gregor Hildebrandt, Hannah Sophie Dunkelberg, Jack Pierson, Jan-Ole Schiemann, Jenny Brosinski, Jens Wolf, Jordan Rubio, Julian Lennon, Kathryn Garcia, Latifa Echakhch, Martin Eder, Mathilde Seguis, Max Frintrop, Natascha Schmitten, Norbert Bisky, Olivia Berckemeyer, Peter Böhnisch, Regine Schumann, Robert Janitz, Sador Weinsčlucker, Schirin Kretschmann, Sibylle Springer, Slawomir Elsner, Thomas Ruff, Thomas Zitzwitz, Thoralf Knobloch, Willi Beermann, Wolfgang Tillmans, Xiyao Wang.

Opening Vernissage: 25th September, 2025, 6 p.m. to10 p.m.
Exhibition from September 26 to October 11, 2025, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free Entrance Monday and Tuesday closed.

Encre sympathique NEO art & culture lab VogelART - 6 bis rue Lascaris, Nice, France

The NEO x VogelART art and culture space was inaugurated in Nice in July 2024 by Sebastian and Simon Vogel.

NEO is a blank canvas for artistic and cultural projects: from art exhibitions and cultural events to photo shoots and pop-up events. It is a place where art, culture, fashion, and design converge and celebrate creativity.

Since July 2024, more than 15 events have been organized at NEO, including concerts, car design presentations, and exhibitions.

Highlights include the Ndayé Kouagou exhibition in collaboration with the NIR ALTMAN gallery and an exhibition by the Skateboard Museum Berlin. In October, the group exhibition “Tender is the Night,” organized by Thomas Zitzwitz, brought together artists such as Alicja Kwade, Eva Grubinger, Gregor Hildebrandt, Ida Tursic & Wilfried Mille, Isa Melsheimer, Jorinde Voigt, Luca Vitone, Malerie Marder, Matthieu Laurette, Una Szeemann, Young Kim, and many others.

Monaco Ranks Among Top 5 Cities for the Ultra-Rich

 

In its latest City Index 2025, international real estate firm Barnes Group has ranked the 50 most sought-after cities for individuals or families with assets of more than $30 million. For the first time, Monaco has entered the top five, joining Madrid, Dubai, Miami, and Milan at the summit of the global luxury real estate market.

“Luxury real estate has proven to be a bulwark against uncertainty,” notes Thibault de Saint Vincent, president of Barnes. “Cities like Monaco and Milan have made a spectacular leap in the rankings for their ability to offer a 360° experience thanks to advantageous taxation, quality infrastructure, and a refined art of living.”

Why Monaco Stands Out

Monaco’s appeal rests on its unique mix of security, political and economic stability, and favorable taxation. “People move to Monaco for its security, its political and economic stability, as well as its tax attractiveness,” emphasizes Florian Valeri, managing partner of Barnes Monaco. Unsurprisingly, the Principality is described as “by far” the favorite destination for many of the world’s wealthiest families.

Most Desirable Districts

Although Monaco covers just 2.08 km², certain neighborhoods stand out in the City Index. Fontvieille is in high demand for its seafront residences, pedestrian areas, and low traffic. Larvotto draws buyers to its beaches and the new eco-district of Mareterra, while the Carré d’Or remains a perennial favorite for its central location and luxury establishments.

What Buyers Seek

According to the report, small apartments—studios and one-bedroom units—are the most sought-after investments, while larger three- and four-bedroom residences attract younger families relocating to the Principality. The new Mareterra development has become a particular magnet for this clientele.

Beyond real estate, Monaco’s cultural, sporting, and gastronomic offerings add to its appeal. From Michelin-starred dining such as Alain Ducasse’s legendary Louis XV to a lively bistro and nightlife scene, the Principality balances exclusivity with vibrant social life.

A Safe Haven Investment

Barnes highlights the continued strength of Monaco’s real estate market, even with record prices averaging more than €50,000 per square meter. Demand remains robust, making property here not just a lifestyle choice but also a secure, long-term wealth preservation strategy.

For many ultra-high-net-worth families (including an expanding network of people from the LGBTQ community)—particularly from France, Italy, and the UK—Monaco is both a residence and a symbol of enduring prestige. With its new ranking among the world’s top five cities for the ultra-rich, the Principality’s reputation as a global haven for wealth and lifestyle has never been stronger.

IRONMAN World Championship 2025 Comes to Nice

 

The IRONMAN World Championship returns to the French Riviera in 2025, with Nice once again stepping onto the global stage as host city. On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the world’s top professional triathletes and thousands of qualified age-group athletes will take on one of the sport’s toughest and most spectacular courses, set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding Alpes-Maritimes.

Why Nice?

Long recognized as a hub for endurance sport, Nice has cemented its place in the IRONMAN calendar. The city has previously hosted both full-distance and 70.3 IRONMAN World Championship events, and its partnership with IRONMAN has been extended through 2028. For athletes and fans alike, Nice offers a unique blend: warm Mediterranean waters, a cosmopolitan seafront promenade, and a demanding bike course that climbs into the mountains before returning to the coast.

The Course

Competitors face the classic full-distance challenge: a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride, and a 42.2 km marathon.

• Swim: Starting in the Baie des Anges, athletes will dive into the turquoise Mediterranean just off the Promenade des Anglais.

• Bike: The 180 km bike leg showcases the region’s dramatic terrain, with steep climbs, technical descents, and sweeping views of mountain villages and coastal valleys. It’s considered one of the most beautiful yet demanding bike courses on the world circuit.

• Run: The marathon brings the action back to the Promenade des Anglais. With multiple loops along the seafront, the run is flat but exposed to sun and heat, making crowd support and mental strength key factors.

  

  Athletes to Watch

  The men’s professional race promises fireworks. Defending champion Patrick Lange will return to defend his crown, while French favorite Sam Laidlow aims for glory on home soil. Norwegian stars Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden—both former world champions—will be major contenders, alongside powerhouses like Magnus Ditlev, Rudy Von Berg, and Léon Chevalier. With a $375,000 prize purse and 6,000 IRONMAN Pro Series points on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

  What Makes This Edition Special

  What sets Nice apart is the balance of beauty and brutality. The Mediterranean swim is inviting, but the mountain bike course can shatter even the best-prepared athletes. The marathon, lined with cheering spectators, provides both spectacle and suffering. For French triathlon fans, the chance to see their champions race a World Championship on home ground adds extra excitement.

  For Spectators

  Nice is tailor-made for spectators. The swim start along the Promenade offers incredible views, while the run course keeps the drama close to the city center. Those willing to venture into the hills can catch glimpses of the athletes tackling the toughest climbs. Visitors are advised to plan ahead: traffic will be restricted, accommodations fill quickly, and the best viewing spots are claimed early.

  Beyond the Race

  For Nice and the wider Côte d’Azur, the IRONMAN World Championship brings not only prestige but also significant economic impact. The event reinforces the region’s reputation as a premier global sports destination, combining elite athletic competition with world-class hospitality and breathtaking scenery.
  

  As athletes dive into the Baie des Anges on September 14, 2025, they’ll be racing not only for world titles but also into history—on a course that embodies the spirit of IRONMAN: endurance, determination, and a setting like no other.

Monaco Grand Prix Secured Through 2035

 

Formula 1’s crown jewel is here to stay. The Monaco Grand Prix has officially extended its agreement with the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM), locking the Principality’s iconic street race onto the calendar until at least 2035. The deal secures another decade of glamour, high-stakes drama, and historic moments in Monte Carlo.

The announcement, made Friday 5th September, ends years of uncertainty that saw short-term renewals and tense negotiations over hosting fees, limited overtaking, and television production rights. With this extension, Monaco now holds one of the longest contracts in F1, joining Madrid, Bahrain, Australia, Miami and Austria in securing its future well into the next decade.

ACM President Michel Boeri called the deal “a reaffirmation of our commitment to delivering an exceptional, unmatched and world-renowned race weekend,” while thanking Prince Albert II for his decisive role in moving talks forward. The Prince himself welcomed the extension, stressing Monaco’s “deep attachment” to the tradition and its unique place in global motorsport. F1 President Stefano Domenicali echoed the sentiment, describing the race as “an iconic event loved by all drivers and fans.”

The news follows a turbulent period in which Monaco’s place on the grid was often questioned. A six-year deal signed in 2024 initially stabilized matters, but this new four-year add-on finally provides the long-term security organizers were seeking.

Last year’s race produced history when local hero Charles Leclerc claimed a landmark first home victory for a Monegasque driver in the World Championship era. This year, however, a controversial two-pit-stop rule overshadowed McLaren’s Lando Norris’s win, with drivers and fans alike dismissing the format as ineffective. Despite criticism, the rule will return in 2026 as organizers push for more strategic intrigue.

One key change is already set: the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix will shift to 5–7 June, avoiding a clash with the Indianapolis 500 and streamlining F1’s European schedule.

With its future secured, Monaco now has over a decade to continue blending sport, spectacle and prestige like nowhere else in the racing world.