From 19 April to 9 July 2023 Virtually Versailles

After highly successful runs in Singapore in 2018 (at the ION Orchard mall) and Shanghai in 2021 (at the Xintiandi Style mall), the Virtually Versailles immersive exhibition is set to enthral international visitors all over again – first, in Hong Kong, as part of the French May Arts Festival, from the 19th of April to the 9th of July 2023 , and then in Macao, from 28 July 2023.

A digital discovery

Designed as an introductory tour of the Palace, the Virtually Versailles immersive exhibition helps visitors discover the world of Versailles by using state-of-the-art technology to offer them an interactive and multisensory immersion into the world of the Palace and its Estate. The Palace of Versailles’ aim is to host the Virtually Versailles exhibition in different parts of the world, so that as many people as possible have the opportunity to discover Versailles, its history and its collections.

Step into the History of Versailles

A multisensory welcome awaits visitors as they begin the tour. After listening to a couple of anecdotes about Versailles, they are greeted by the voice of Louis XIV, which has been recreated based on the late monarch’s health records, allowing him to speak once again, 300 years after his death.

In just a few minutes, visitors gain an understanding of the complexity of the site and the diversity of its spaces thanks to 3D reconstructions of the Palace of Versailles – from its time as Louis XIII’s hunting lodge in the 17th century to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. 

To accentuate this tour, master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian has created an exclusive fragrance, called “Royal Delight”. This unique perfume reveals the sumptuous scent of orange blossom – King Louis XIV’s favourite flower.

Nature and Versailles

The Estate of Versailles is home to one of the most beautiful outdoor sculpture museums. Visitors are invited to hop on a connected bike and wander among the masterpieces and the iconic areas of the gardens and Park of Versailles, from the Grande Perspective to the Queen's Hamlet, via the French-style gardens of the Grand Trianon.

The Versailles Collections

The Palace of Versailles has been a beacon of French art since the 17th century and, with an impressive collection of more than 60,000 paintings, sculptures and other artworks, it is the largest museum of French history. Visitors are introduced to these works in an interactive gallery, where they also get an historical and iconographical overview of the key characters and events that shaped the history of the country from the 16th to the 19th century.

Versailles and innovation

The virtual reality experience “Versailles VR: the Palace is yours”, developed in partnership with Google Arts and Culture, is also available to visitors. Using headsets, they can wander freely through the State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors, enjoying unique cultural content and the opportunity to examine the numerous artworks and furniture items from every angle. 

The Splendours of Versailles

This section is a spectacular 360-degree view conveying the most iconic parts of Versailles. Thanks to LED screens, some of the most famous rooms in the royal residence – such as the Mercury Room, Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Opera House and the Gallery of Battles – have been recreated as complete immersive experiences.

A Day at Versailles

This final space features a 360° film that captures the magic of a day at the Estate. Perspectives, interior shots, shows, fountains and fireworks were all filmed in ultra-high definition for this final panoramic projection.

An exhibition on tour

Upcoming event: Virtually Versailles – Hong Kong
Dates: from 19 April to 9 July 2023
Venue: Hong Kong Heritage Museum Thematic Galleries 3–5
Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the French May Arts Festival
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the Palace of Versailles
With the major support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust

Upcoming event: Virtually Versailles – Macao 
Dates: from 28 July
Venue: Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, as part of the Art Macao international art biennale.

Past event: Virtually Versailles – Shanghai 
Dates: 28 February to 15 June 2021
Venue: Xintiandi Style Mall
Made possible thanks to the patronage of the Michelin Corporate Foundation

Past event: Virtually Versailles – Singapore
Dates: 30 November 2018 to 6 January 2019
Venue: Ion Orchard Mall
Made possible thanks to the patronage of the Michelin Corporate Foundation