Key facts
- The Palace of Versailles will open a new gallery on July 4, 2026.
- The gallery commemorates the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
- It will feature paintings, sculptures, and portraits related to the American Revolution.
- The space highlights the historical relationship between France and the United States.
- The gallery is located in the apartment where King Louis XVI received Benjamin Franklin.
The Palace of Versailles is set to open a new gallery on July 4, 2026, dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence. This new exhibition space, located in the apartment where King Louis XVI received Benjamin Franklin and where France officially recognized American sovereignty in 1778, aims to highlight the political, diplomatic, and military figures of the American Revolution, as well as the historical relationship between France and the U.S.
The gallery will feature a collection of paintings, sculptures, and portraits from the palace's archives, including depictions of figures such as Benjamin Franklin, the Marquis de La Fayette, and George Washington. According to Clara Terreaux, a curator at the Palace of Versailles, the creation of this gallery underscores the long-standing connection between France and American independence, referencing a candelabrum commissioned by Louis XVI that celebrated the war.
Laurent Salomé, director of the Palace of Versailles museum, explained that the idea of dedicating spaces to American history at Versailles dates back to the period after World War I, when galleries were created to acknowledge America's role in Europe and France's support for the American insurgents. These galleries have evolved over time, with the current iteration being a recreation coinciding with the 250th anniversary.
Salomé also noted the symbolic power of Versailles as a tool of French "soft power," designed to impress and foster a unique atmosphere for diplomatic discussions, a concept he attributes to Louis XIV. The opening follows a recent visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, who was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at Versailles and reportedly expressed great admiration for the palace.