RENOVATION OF THE "GALERIE DES GLACES" IN VERSAILLES-USA RIGHTS ONLY
RENOVATION OF THE "GALERIE DES GLACES" IN VERSAILLES
The VINCI company has started, in July 2004, the first complete renovation of the Galerie des Glaces and payed for all the financing of the works, which cost 12 millions of euros.
18 months and 60 professionals were necessary to restore and to preserve this place. The first phase comprises the architectural decor of Jules Hardouin-Mansart and the original paintings of Charles le Brun. The delicate palette of colors is revealed but also keeps the original aspect of the XVIIth century. Composed of marbles, mirors in mercury, bronze sculptures, gildings and trompe-l'oeil paintings, the gallery has known in all 4 renovation undertakings.
The works are made without closing the access for the 3 millions of visitors who admire the gallery every year. Moreover, the site is entirely protected from the noise and the dust thanks to special scenographic fittings. That way, the visitors are leaded in a animated journey which recreated the atmosphere of the gallery thanks to a pictorral representation of a ball of the old regime. The scenographic plan restores the perspective of the place thanks to a faÂade in mirors which gives the illusion to discover the wholeness of the piece. Some movies illustrate the works of the restoration and the jobs of the VINCI group.
The Galeries des Glaces was built between 1678 and 1684 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Charles le Brun. The decors of the gallery were essentially realised in order to serve the royal politic. The paintings recount the big victories of Louis XIV and his actions of interior politic. Real tribute to the power and the glory of the King, the place constituted a privileged spot of the big celebrations of the Court.
Louis XIV chose this place to welcome the ambassadors of the world. From now on, this is where the official representants of foreign countries are regularly welcomed when they come for official visits.
2/13/07
©Mathieu Lombard/Visual Press/JPI
310-657-9661
The VINCI company has started, in July 2004, the first complete renovation of the Galerie des Glaces and payed for all the financing of the works, which cost 12 millions of euros.
18 months and 60 professionals were necessary to restore and to preserve this place. The first phase comprises the architectural decor of Jules Hardouin-Mansart and the original paintings of Charles le Brun. The delicate palette of colors is revealed but also keeps the original aspect of the XVIIth century. Composed of marbles, mirors in mercury, bronze sculptures, gildings and trompe-l'oeil paintings, the gallery has known in all 4 renovation undertakings.
The works are made without closing the access for the 3 millions of visitors who admire the gallery every year. Moreover, the site is entirely protected from the noise and the dust thanks to special scenographic fittings. That way, the visitors are leaded in a animated journey which recreated the atmosphere of the gallery thanks to a pictorral representation of a ball of the old regime. The scenographic plan restores the perspective of the place thanks to a faÂade in mirors which gives the illusion to discover the wholeness of the piece. Some movies illustrate the works of the restoration and the jobs of the VINCI group.
The Galeries des Glaces was built between 1678 and 1684 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Charles le Brun. The decors of the gallery were essentially realised in order to serve the royal politic. The paintings recount the big victories of Louis XIV and his actions of interior politic. Real tribute to the power and the glory of the King, the place constituted a privileged spot of the big celebrations of the Court.
Louis XIV chose this place to welcome the ambassadors of the world. From now on, this is where the official representants of foreign countries are regularly welcomed when they come for official visits.
2/13/07
©Mathieu Lombard/Visual Press/JPI
310-657-9661