Versailles Foundation

The Palace of Versailles, one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art, served as the principal residence of French kings from Louis XIV to Louis XVI, and the French government in 1632. Prior to Louis XIV, the palace had been the hunting pavilion of his father, Louis XIII; for many years after Louis XIV, a succession of kings ruled from and continued to embellish the institution. Today, the Palace is no longer a royal residence but has instead been listed as a World Heritage site for the past 30 years. The 2,300-room palace welcomes a vast, international audience each year to tour its hallowed halls, experience exhibitions, and participate in events.

Perpetuating an Appreciation for Impressive Impressionism
The Claude Monet Museum, the Versailles Foundation's second central priority, opened its doors to the public in 1934. In 1938, the museum acquired its first Impressionist works, and over the course of the next decade, received canvases painted by revered Impressionist artists such as Claude Monet and Pierre Auguste Renoir. Today, the Museum is a leading center for the appreciation and study of Impressionism, as well as ancient manuscripts.