26 Masterpieces to See at the Palace of Versailles

In 1607 the future Louis XIII was brought to the French countryside around the town of Versailles for his first hunt, and just like his father, Henri IV, he loved it—so much so that in 1621, after rising to the throne, he had a small hunting lodge constructed there. About 10 years later, it was replaced by a modest chateau.

It was Louis XIV, however, who had a real passion and vision for the place. He moved there in 1682, bringing his court and government with him, and gradually turned the chateau into a glorious pleasure palace, home to large-scale entertainments. After his passing, the estate underwent a period of neglect, until young Louis XV tried to complete what his great-grandfather had started. His grandson, Louis XVI, enjoyed spending time at Versailles until forced to leave in 1789.

Napoleon chose not to settle at Versailles, opting for Trianon instead. It wasn’t until Louis-Philippe’s accession to the throne that Versailles experienced a genuine revival. In 1833, the new sovereign of the July Monarchy decided to create within its walls a museum “dedicated to all the glories of France.” Comprising some 90,000 works today, the collections at the Château de Versailles offer an overview of French history from the Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century. Here are 26 must-see artworks displayed there.