Summary
Highlights
The Château de Versailles is introduced as a global treasure, a testament to the greatest artists in history. It spans over 800 hectares, comprising three châteaux, two stables, multiple gardens, parks, and numerous outbuildings. Over a thousand people work to maintain it, welcoming 7.5 million visitors annually. The documentary promises a journey into a secret Versailles, exploring its evolution through 3D reconstructions and behind-the-scenes access to its ongoing preservation.
The château's origins trace back to Louis XIII's hunting lodge in 1623. Louis XIV, passionate about his father's château, initiated extensive construction. Significant additions included the artificial Grotto of Tethys, a baroque marvel, and the symmetrical Grand Apartments for the King and Queen. These lavish salons became the setting for official acts and demonstrated the King's power. The gardens were also meticulously designed to reflect the sun's course, culminating in the iconic Latona Fountain.
Mansart further expanded the château, adding wings for princes and administrative services, and creating the grand Hall of Mirrors. Versailles became a political tool for Louis XIV to display his immense power. The Grand Trianon was built as a private retreat, and the Royal Chapel, a masterpiece of sacred art, was the last major project under Louis XIV, demonstrating his profound involvement.
Louis XV, seeking more intimacy, created private apartments behind the formal state rooms. These 'small suppers' allowed the king to dine informally, a stark contrast to the strict etiquette of Louis XIV's era. Louis XV also commissioned the Royal Opera, designed for discreet viewing. Marie Antoinette, upon receiving the Petit Trianon from Louis XVI, created a personal world away from court, including the famous Hamlet. However, this royal isolation led to a disconnect with the discontent of the populace, culminating in the dramatic march on Versailles by Parisian women in 1789, forcing the royal family to leave forever.
After the French Revolution, Versailles was almost destroyed but was eventually preserved. Napoleon resided at the Grand Trianon, renovating it. In 1832, King Louis-Philippe transformed the royal residence into a Museum of French History, creating the Gallery of Battles. Despite these efforts, by the late 19th century, Versailles was in disrepair. John D. Rockefeller Jr.'s generous donations in the 1920s brought a period of significant restoration, which paused during World War II. In the 1950s, a major appeal to the French public by André Cornu, followed by the appointment of Gérald van der Kemp as conservator, revitalized the château. Van der Kemp initiated the ambitious project of re-furnishing Versailles, bringing back original pieces and commissioning exact replicas, transforming the empty palace into a vibrant showcase of French decorative arts.
The ongoing refurnishing effort at Versailles aims to recreate the authentic living environment of the 17th and 18th centuries. The Salon of Mercury, once Louis XIV's state bedroom, now features a restored automaton clock. A significant acquisition, a commode belonging to Madame Adélaïde (Louis XV's daughter), exemplifies the meticulous process of restoring and placing historical furniture. Conservators carefully transport and install these rare pieces, often consulting historical documents like the 'journal du garde-meuble de la Couronne' to ensure accurate placement and a historically faithful atmosphere. An international collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of New York allowed the return of a precious decorative vase set to Madame Victoire's apartment.
Above Louis XVI's private apartments, small, untouched rooms reveal his passion for science. These laboratories and workshops, including a chemistry cabinet and physics gallery, demonstrate a king interested in personal pursuits outside royal ceremonies. The Cabinet of Graphic Arts at Versailles holds over 35,000 drawings and engravings, some of which adorned these private cabinets. Conservators are working to re-hang these engravings to reflect Louis XVI's personal interests and family life, reinstating the intimate ambiance of these spaces. The "Antichambre des Chiens" is also seeing the return of its original paintings after centuries of absence from the Louvre and other regional museums.
Versailles houses numerous restoration workshops where skilled artisans, using centuries-old techniques, bring damaged pieces back to life. The Gallery of Carriages will soon reopen, showcasing monumental vehicles like the coronation carriage of Charles X. The Hameau de la Reine, Marie-Antoinette's rustic retreat, is undergoing a major restoration. This 'disguised château' presents complex preservation challenges due to its unique construction. The restoration will revive its trompe l'oeil decorations and conserve surviving elements, including its original staircase. The furniture will reflect the era of Empress Marie-Louise, who occupied the Hameau after Marie-Antoinette. This meticulous work involves textile artisans, tapissiers, and silk weavers, ensuring historical accuracy and artistic sensitivity.
Beyond restoration, the conservation teams manage and present vast collections to the public. The former princely apartments now house the Museum of French History, initiated by Louis-Philippe. This museum, unique in the world, narrates French history from Clovis to 1830 through paintings like David's iconic 'Napoleon Crossing the Alps.' The museum also features portraits of celebrated figures, including Victor Hugo. The goal is to make these masterpieces accessible and to educate visitors on how historical events were portrayed and sometimes reinterpreted. The teams emphasize that these works are not just representations of reality but artistic and political narratives.
Versailles, with its 190,000 square meters, is a perpetual work in progress, demanding continuous research, method, and vision. It stands as a testament to France's rich history and artistic heritage, embodying both monumental grandeur and intimate royal life. Through the dedicated efforts of its teams, past and present, Versailles has overcome threats of destruction to remain a radiant symbol of French culture. This unique blend of royal residence and museum continues to fascinate visitors worldwide, showcasing masterpieces and revealing untold stories of its illustrious past. The documentary concludes by emphasizing the passion and dedication involved in preserving this extraordinary artistic and historical site.