From 19 March to 23 June 2024 Imperial silks for Versailles, a collection from the Mobilier National

From 19 March to 23 June 2024, the Grand Trianon is hosting an exhibition dedicated to an exceptional commission placed by Napoleon I with the Lyon silk manufacturers for silks to refurnish the Palace of Versailles.

Organised in partnership with the Mobilier National, the exhibition presents the historical context of the commission, the manufacturing techniques used and the story of the creation of these 80km of silks. As it was never used due to the fall of the Empire, this textile collection is in an exceptional state of conservation.

Having expressed the desire to refurnish Versailles, Napoleon placed a commission with the silk manufacturers in Lyon in February 1810. It came at a time of economic crisis for the silk manufacturers, who produced and delivered no less than 80 km of fabric to the Imperial Household in just two years. The exhibition organised by the Palace of Versailles and the Mobilier National explores the history of this major commission through an exceptional collection of 120 silks.

the exhibition

The first part of the exhibition presents the historical and economic context of the commission through original samples and archive documents showing the role played by different figures. Advances in the textile industry are also evoked through a loom fitted with the Jacquard mechanism and the presentation of research techniques in the fields of chemistry and dyeing.

The second part is dedicated to the architectural changes that Napoleon envisaged for Versailles, for which he placed the commission. Debates between architects and changes in taste between the Ancien Régime and the early 19^th century are also evoked through drawings by Jacques Gondoin.

A tribute to the know-how of Lyon silk manufacturers

Through a collection of 120 silks, the exhibition showcases the Lyon manufacturers’ proposals for the decoration of Versailles. The 80km of silks were delivered in 1813. Never used during the First French Empire, they testify to the surprising originality of the colours and motifs chosen. Thanks to this large commission, the Lyon silk manufacturers enjoyed an economic upturn and vied to satisfy the Emperor and his wife with bold designs.

The exhibition also evokes the fate of these silks during the July Monarchy and the Second French Empire.

The Emperor’s apartment in the Grand Trianon will exceptionally be open to the public during the exhibition. Samples of the original Lyon fabrics are presented alongside textile recreations.

Curators 

Muriel Barbier, Head Curator of Heritage - Heritage and Collections Director at the Château of Fontainebleau.
Noémie Wansart, Scientific Curator, Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon.

access and admission

Admission to the exhibition is included in the price of the “Passport” or “Estate of Trianon” tickets. The exhibition is held in the Grand Trianon and will be open to the public during the Estate of Trianon’s opening hours.

Openings hours

Partner

The Mobilier National has supported artistic and craft professions since the 17^th century. Its role is to ensure the conservation and restoration of these unique collections and perpetuate and pass on exceptional skills. As a major heritage institution, it is also a key stakeholder in the creation of contemporary works and the promotion of French decorative arts.

https://www.mobiliernational.culture.gouv.fr/fr

practical information

• The exhibition will be held during the high season and the low season. Please check the opening times for the Palace.
• Low season: 12pm - 5:30pm, from Tuesday to Sunday. Last admission at 4:45pm.
• High season: 12pm - 6:30pm, from Tuesday to Sunday. Last admission at 5:45pm.
• Buy an “Estate of Trianon” or “Passport” ticket to access the exhibition (including those eligible for free admission).

Passport

Admission to the whole Estate on an individual visit

24 € Book

Passport

Admission to the whole Estate on an individual visit

24 €

Read more

Passport

Admission to the whole Estate on an individual visit:

• The main visits in the Palace of Versailles: the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, Louis XV's daughters Apartments and exhibitions
• The Trianon Estate: the Grand Trianon, Petit Trianon and the Queen's Hamlet (Marie-Antoinette's Estate)
• The Gallery of Coaches and the gardens

 

24 € Book

24 € except on Musical Fountains

Show and Musical Gardens days

32 € on Musical Fountains Show

and Musical Gardens days

Estate of Trianon ticket

This ticket gives you access to the estate of Trianon.

12 €

Buy

Estate of Trianon ticket

This ticket gives you access to the estate of Trianon.

12 €

Read more

Estate of Trianon ticket

This ticket guarantees access to the estate of Trianon (including the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon, the Queen's Hamlet and their gardens) starting at noon.

It includes access to :

• the estate of Trianon;
• the tempory exibitions presented there;
• the Gallery of Coaches (every weekend); 
• the Park.

The Passport guarantees access to the Estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and the Gardens).

Tickets can be purchased on site subject to availability.

Rates

12 € Buy

• Hearing impaired
• Motor deficiencies
• Visual impairment
• Mental disabilities

mobile APP

The audioguide of the exhibition is available in the mobile app.

We advise visitors to download the app free of charge before they arrive and open it to load the exhibition audioguide in advance.