Some of the finest objects in the Wallace Collection were originally made for the Palace of Versailles. This year, as we celebrate the 400th birthday of Europe’s most iconic royal palace, uncover its fascinating and complex history. We’ll learn about the chateau’s architectural and stylistic development, and how it was luxuriously furnished with precious products from the royal manufactures.

Taking a tantalising glimpse into the magnificent state receptions, organised to welcome and awe foreign ambassadors, we’ll also consider Versailles’ political role as the architectural embodiment of royal power. You’ll gain fascinating insights into how the palace operated, and into the daily lives of the kings, queens, royal mistresses and courtiers who inhabited it.

Read the full course description here.

Joining Information and Format: This course will be taught through Zoom Webinar. Each course session duration is 120 minutes, including a five-minute break and time for Q&A with the tutor. Tickets are for both dates. Ticket holders will be emailed the Zoom link, Webinar ID and Passcode 24 hours in advance of the first course session, which should be retained for accessing both sessions of the course.

Course Recording: This course will be recorded. Within 48 hours of each course session, ticket holders will be emailed a link to view the recording, which will be available for two weeks.   

Image Credit: Louis XV's Commode by Antoine-Robert Gaudreaus, 1739, during its temporary loan to Versailles in 2023. Photography by Thomas Garnier © Château de Versailles and The Wallace Collection