Press office

The Palace of Versailles is starting restoration work on the masterpiece of Versailles gardens that is Apollo’s Chariot Fountain, thanks to the patronage of CMA CGM Group. This fountain is emblematic of Louis XIV’s Versailles, and depicts the sun god driving his four-horse chariot full pelt, symbolising the ascent of the rising sun. It will re-emerge in all its former glory following an eighteen-month undertaking that will draw on an array of expertise.

In September 2022, the Palace of Versailles began a major restoration campaign for Jean Nocret’s painting, The Royal Family in Olympus. With its imposing dimensions – around 12 m2 – this work is the largest surviving French portrait from the 17th century. The painting will be on public display once the restoration of the Œil-de-Bœuf antechamber is completed in the spring of 2024.

Closely linked to the Versailles of Louis-Philippe, for over thirteen years the artist produced some of the most beautiful paintings in the historic Galleries. The Palace of Versailles, which houses the largest collection of his works, is dedicating a major retrospective to Vernet of around 200 works, presenting many unexhibited masterpieces, accompanied by sketches and drawings demonstrating the artist’s methodology.