The Philadelphia childhood home of Grace Kelly, who was first an iconic movie star before becoming Princess of Monaco, will be turned into a museum after being bought by her son, Prince Albert of Monaco.
The prince reportedly bought the home for $754,000 after its previous owner passed away, according to the Daily Mail. As the previous resident was apparently a hoarder, the house is in need of repair before opening its doors to the public, which according to the prince could happen in 2018, or even earlier.
However, as the home is in a residential neighborhood, its function as a museum will be limited.
“While it is a historical landmark, I don’t think that a dedicated museum is the right avenue to take. There will though be any number of events which will facilitate public viewing,” the prince said in a statement.
Before purchasing the property, Prince Albert flew to Philadelphia to revisit the site, in a move that sparked nostalgia for his childhood. “I hadn’t seen the house in a good many summers and some of it is in relatively good shape,” he said.
“The previous owner hadn’t touched some parts in 40 years. Other parts need great work … I can still see the living room carpet. It’s not there anymore but I remember the pattern. And the kitchen where we all had breakfast every morning.”
“Seeing it without furniture was odd,” he continued. “And, it seems a little small. Of course, when you’re young everything seems bigger.”
The home is particularly remarkable as it is the place where Prince Rainier of Monaco proposed to Grace Kelly in 1956, thus forever changing her life. Kelly’s father was also a notable Olympian, and the family thrived in the Philadelphia neighborhood.
In addition to its role as a museum, the former residence will serve as a branch for the Princess Grace Foundation and Monaco’s Princess Grace Irish Library, working in collaboration with Villanova University to plan public programming, including lectures, readings, concerts, and children’s activities.