‘Versailles: Treasures from the Palace’ Exhibition
5 words I’d use to describe ‘Versailles: Treasures of the Palace’:
Enticing. Beautiful. Sensory. Informative. Dazzling.
I really enjoy a good history exhibition, so when I saw the ‘Versailles: Treasures from the Palace’ advertised a while back, I took a mental note to make sure that I visited it! Currently the exhibition is on display at the National Gallery of Art in Canberra, Australia and will be showing until mid April 2017. If you haven’t been to see it yet, I would certainly encourage you to go.
The exhibition design and the objects on display really do give you a feel for the building and its gardens. From a specially designed scent subtly permeating the gallery space, to a fantastic way of displaying Versailles’ famous water features and gardens (a teaser for you!), the exhibition attempts to transport you to the Palace itself!
‘Treasures from the Palace’ takes you chronologically through time and includes just the right amount of objects to whet your appetite for 18th century palatial living without your feet beginning to ache. It also doesn’t bowl you over with an information overload, but includes a good sprinkling of social history with a focus on artistic aesthetics – perfect for strolling through the exhibition and drinking in the grandeur that was and is Versailles.
If you would like to brush up on your French history just a little before you visit, go for a bit of background on the 18th century French monarchs; particularly Louis XIV (the Sun King) to Louis XVI (the unfortunate one that was beheaded during the revolution). I’ve also included some links below to some nifty little videos about the Palace and gardens from the Palace’s Youtube channel.
Love art, sculpture, palaces, royalty and 18th century France?
You’re sure to enjoy ‘Versailles: Treasures from the Palace’ as much as I did!
Visited ‘Versailles: Treasures from the Palace’ already? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
For more info check out:
- A short video about the history of Versailles Palace produced by Chateau de Versailles.
- A short video about the gardens at Versailles produced by Chateau de Versailles.
