As major players in preserving and extending the reach of the Palace of Versailles, societies of friends of the Palace of Versailles have been supporting restoration projects and initiatives to enrich collections and enhance the estate for over a century. With their loyal support, the estate of Versailles attracts millions of visitors, patrons and enthusiasts every year. Through their work, the friends of the Palace of Versailles help this exceptional heritage to flourish.
Societies of Friends of the Palace of Versailles
La société des amis de versailles
A strong bond forged in the service of a shared passion
The Société des Amis de Versailles, which has been dedicated for over a century to preserving and enhancing the Palace of Versailles, brings together all donors who are keen to support restoration projects at their own level or to contribute to enriching the collections of the palaces of Versailles and Trianon.
The aim of the society, which was founded in 1907 at the initiative of the group of high-profile figures rallying around Raymond Poincaré, the future President of the French Republic, was to address the deterioration of the estate. It was granted non-profit “public utility” status by the state in 1913, and can now draw on a network of over 5,200 members and many patrons. For over one hundred years, it has been working with commitment and passion to restore and enhance this outstanding heritage and to extend its reach.
As a key player in enhancing the palace, the Société des Amis de Versailles has supported over 350 acquisitions and funded more than 100 restoration projects since 1910. It also offers its members exclusive tours and special access to the history and treasures of Versailles.
While continuing to provide funds for new furnishings and acquisitions for the Palace, the Société des Amis de Versailles is also the patron for the restoration of spaces such as the Dauphin’s Library in 2020, and the grand Sacristy and Lavabo Room in the annexes of the Royal Chapel. These large-scale projects have made it possible to open up new tours and further enrich the visitor experience at the Palace of Versailles.
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Restoration of the Dauphin’s library completed in 2020 © EPV / Thomas Garnier
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Societies of Friends worldwide
The American Friends of Versailles
Founded in 1998, the American Friends of Versailles is the fruit of a unique bond between France and the United States. Based on a shared admiration for outstanding heritage and a deep desire to preserve it, the American Friends of Versailles is devoted to the beauty and history of the Palace of Versailles.
As the sister society of the Société des Amis de Versailles, the American Friends of Versailles brings together American patrons who are enthusiastic heritage advocates with a common objective: to support the conservation and enhancement of the Palace and its gardens. Its fundraising campaigns have allowed it to take part in projects and major restorations which bring iconic areas back to life.
Over the years, the American Friends of Versailles have played a key role in breathing new life into several treasures on the estate: the Queen’s Grove, the Queen’s Guard Room, the Pavillon Frais and the Grove of the Three Fountains. Due to their loyal support, these spaces have been restored to the former glory they enjoyed in the days of the monarchy.
In 2025, the restoration of the Diana Room, one of the jewels in the crown of the State Apartments, once again revealed the American Friends of Versailles’s deep attachment to the Palace of Versailles.
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The Versailles Foundation Inc. Claude Monet Giverny
The Versailles Foundation Inc. has been working since 1970 to promote Franco-American friendship and to develop cultural exchanges. The foundation focuses on the preservation, maintenance and restoration of French historic monuments, and the Palace of Versailles in particular.
The bonds between the foundation and the Palace of Versailles are particularly close as it was actually set up by Florence Russell Bennett Harris, the American mother-in-law of Gérald van der Kemp, the Chief Curator of the Palace from 1953 to 1980. This personal relationship marked the start of an enduring collaboration, making raising funds for Versailles a true Franco-American joint project.
One of the iconic projects funded by the foundation is the restoration of the statues in the Apollo’s Baths Grove. Thanks to the generosity of donors brought together by the foundation, more than ten sculptures have been restored to their former glory. Several urns, which used to adorn the palace gardens but were placed in storage, have been reinstated as replicas created with funding from the Versailles Foundation Inc. The foundation has also helped to refurbish decorative elements in the King’s bedchamber to restore this iconic room to its full glory.
Pair of urns decorated with theatre masques and leafy vine shoots
© EPV / Christophe Fouin
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The French-American Cultural Foundation
Since it was founded in 1998, the French-American Cultural Foundation has established itself as one of the main non-profit organisations in the United States dedicated to enhancing Franco-American relations past, present and future.
The foundation’s partnerships and initiatives showcase art, trade, gastronomy, diplomacy, history and all the areas of creativity and innovation that foster bonds between the French and Americans.
The French-American Cultural Foundation has provided valuable support for the restoration of the Queen’s Grove. The funds raised by the foundation have restored the original colours and scents to this peaceful haven for the queen. Today, the patrons brought together by the foundation are committed to preserving the gardens of Versailles, a true open-air museum, which make a significant contribution to the splendour of the estate.
The Queen's Grove © EPV / Thomas Garnier
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To be a patron of Versailles is to become part of this chain that links together the history of yesterday, today and tomorrow. All donations, whatever the amount, help to support our effort to preserve and enhance this world heritage that is also yours.
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