From the measurement of the picosecond time-resolved luminescence spectra of a Pr(III) complex with phenanthroline in the solid state, an intramolecular energy-transfer mechanism from the ligand to the center metal has been discussed. The rate constant of the energy transfer can be estimated as 3.3 x 10(9) s(-1), and it is necessary the excited triplet state of the ligand and a singlet of the metal ion to pass the energy transfer.