Château de Versailles (Versailles, France)

Dates

• Existence: 1623-

Biography

The Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles) began life as a small hunting lodge, built for Louis XIII, king of France, between 1623 and 1624. Less than a decade later, the king decided to construct a larger building, which would become the foundation of the Palace of Versailles. Versailles became a royal residences of leisure. Louis XIV would further the construction of the palace and grounds. Louis XIV spent much of his life at Versaille, having first visited in 1641. In 1661, the king commenced many building projects, and in 1682, Versailles became the main residence of the French Court and government. In 1715, Versailles was depopulated, following Louis XIV's death. The palace was neglected until 1722 when Louis XV sanctioned new building, following the original plans. Louis XV spent much of his later life in Versailles. After he passed, Louis XVI and his wife, Marie-Antoinette, made Versailles their home. The royal couple were forced to leave in October of 1789. During the French Revloution, the palace was pillaged, but the building remained largely intact. In 1793, the palace was designated to be used as a Public Repository. In September 1833 Louis Philippe, the Citizen King, used the palace for dignitary meetings. The palace was chosen to host the treaty ceremony ending the first World War. The palace was used only sporadically throughout much of the 20th century. Sacha Guitry's 1953 film "Royal Affairs in Versailles" reignited the public's interest in the palace. In 1973, Eleanor Lambert and Versailles curator Gerald Van der Kemp organized a fashion show of five French (Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Dior, and Hubert de Givenchy) and five American fashion designers (Oscar de la Renta, Stephen Burrows, Halston, Bill Blass, and Anne Klein), known as the "Battle of Versailles," to raise money for its restoration. Today, Versailles is a popular destination for tourists around the world.

Found in 7 Collections and/or Records: