Enjoy the Palace during the Olympic Games

On the occasion of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Palace of Versailles reveals itself to the world more beautiful than ever. For nearly two years, major heritage restoration projects have been carried out to better welcome the public: the Honour Gate, the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the King's apartment, the South Parterre, and the Apollo Fountain. This summer, visitors can also discover Versailles through an expanded cultural offer: two temporary exhibitions Horse in Majesty and Eva Jospin, the opening of the Gallery of Carriages and the Gallery of Sculptures and Mouldings, the creation of two new ephemeral parterres at the Grand Trianon, and the new show Night Fountain Show - The Magic of Drones.

The palace more beautiful than it has ever been

The Restoration of the Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV

Upon arriving at the Place d'Armes of the Palace of Versailles, visitors can see the fully restored equestrian statue of Louis XIV. Commissioned by Louis-Philippe and installed at Versailles in 1837, this sculpture represents the ultimate symbol of political power - the horse is dominated by its rider just as the king dominates his subject - providing a preview of the exhibition Horse in Majesty.

The Restoration of the Honour Gate of the Palace

To enter the estate, visitors pass through the Honour Gate of the Palace, which has been completely restored along with the two sculpted groups by Girardon and Marsy that flank it. This heritage restoration project has restored the gate to its condition and ornamentation as they existed since the 19^th century, enhancing the clarity and prominence of the Place d'Armes.

The Restoration of the Bull's Eye Antechamber and the Reopening of the King's Apartment

At the Palace, the King's Apartment reopened to the public on July 16^th following the extensive restoration of the Bull's Eye Antechamber, an iconic room from the court life under the reign of Louis XIV. The restoration also included the safety enhancements of the Guard Room, the Antechamber of the Grand Couvert, the Council Cabinet, and the famous King's Chamber.

The Restoration of the South Parterre

In the gardens of Versailles, the South Parterre has undergone a restoration of the intricate designs of the parterre, the lawns, and the rhythm and dimensions of the topiaries. Created in 1661 by Le Nôtre, it is one of the three grand parterres that open up the gardens of Versailles.

The Restoration of the Apollo Fountain

The Apollo Fountain, one of the most famous fountains in the gardens of Versailles, has undergone a fundamental restoration. Visitors from around the world can now admire the brilliant Apollo Fountain and marvel at its water effects, which contribute to the renowned splendor of the Versailles gardens, just as they did in the time of Louis XIV.

an exceptional program

At the Palace
The exhibition Horse in Majesty

Since July 2^nd, the public has been able to explore the Horse in Majesty exhibition, displayed across the most iconic locations of Versailles. This exhibition, the first of its kind on such a scale, highlights the extraordinary richness of equestrian culture in Europe, from the 16^th to the 20^th century, spanning from the dawn of the Modern Age to the eve of the First World War.

At the Orangery
The exhibition Eva Jospin –Versailles

This summer, the Palace of Versailles invites artist Eva Jospin to present her work Silk Room during the exhibition Eva Jospin – Versailles at the Orangery of the palace. This monumental embroidery creation spans 350 square meters and is 105 meters long. Silk Room creates a unique dialogue with the imposing architecture of the Orangery and invites visitors to wander through the space.

At the Great Stables
The Opening of the Gallery of Carriages

During the Games, visitors can explore the Gallery of Carriages located in the Great Stables for free. This magnificent gallery features an exceptional collection of ceremonial vehicles from the 18^th and 19^th centuries, including sedan chairs, children's carriages, and decorative sleighs. These pieces provide an extraordinary insight into court life and the splendor of the Ancien Régime, the Empire, the Restoration, and the Third Republic.

At the Small Stables
The Opening of the Gallery of Sculptures and Mouldings

Visitors can also enjoy free access to the Gallery of Sculptures and Mouldings located in the Small Stables. This gallery features extraordinary collectioof sculptures from the 17^th and 18^th centuries, a collection of Greek and Roman architecture, and over 5,500 historical casts cataloged in the Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities at the Louvre Museum. Additionally, it houses the original statues from the masterpieces of the Versailles gardens, which have been safely stored and replaced with replicas as part of a large-scale preservation campaign.

At the Grand Trianon
The "Parterre des Petits Chevaux"

At the Grand Trianon, the lower parterre has been transformed into a large-scale version of a popular board game known to both young and old: "Les Petits Chevaux" (Little Horses). The gardeners of Trianon have recreated the game in a monumental vegetative parterre. The four colored sections are represented by a unique palette of colors: yellow, red, blue, and green. The central cross of the original game is depicted by a wooden frame filled with tinted resin. Along the stables, pots planted with flowers represent the spaces on which wooden horses, crafted by the cabinetmakers of the Palace of Versailles, advance.

At the Grand Trianon
The "Parterre des Parfums"

Each year, an original botanical creation is designed on the parterres of the Grand Trianon. This summer, visitors can explore the "Parterre des Parfums," echoing the Jardin du Parfumeur, which was opened to the public in 2023. Designed as an olfactory promenade with the colors of Provence, the cradle of perfumery, this parterre has been brought to life thanks to the sponsorship of Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

Every week-end
The Night Fountain Show - The Magic of Drones

Since July 27^th, a new show has been offered to visitors: The Night Fountain Show - The Magic of Drones. This choreographed spectacle combines pyrotechnics and skillfully synchronized drones, turning the sky above the Palace of Versailles into the canvas for a breathtaking performance.
Dates: Saturday, July 27^th · Saturday, August 3^rd · Friday, August 9^th · Sunday, August 11^th · Saturday, August 31^st · Saturday, September 7^th.