Pavillon de l'Aurore

Pavillon de l'Aurore is a circular structure with a baroque dome situated within Parc de Sceaux. The interior ceiling displays an elaborate allegorical fresco showing classical figures representing the moment of dawn.

Construction was commissioned in 1671 during the reign of King Louis XIV. The artwork was created by the leading court painter of the period, representing a peak of artistic collaboration during the royal administration.

The name references the goddess of dawn, depicted in the ceiling painting visitors can observe. Classical figures representing the arrival of daybreak fill the large fresco that covers the interior dome.

The pavilion is easily accessible from the park's main entrance and offers good visibility from multiple positions. Visitors should bring a jacket for rainy weather and plan their visit for late morning or early afternoon when the ceiling artwork is best illuminated.

Two side chambers beside the main dome display paintings of mythological figures including Vertumnus and Pomona. These adjacent rooms are often overlooked by visitors despite their own artistic decoration programs that enrich the garden's narrative.

Location: Sceaux

Inception: 1671

Official opening: 1937

Part of: Castle of Sceaux

GPS coordinates: 48.76760,2.29659

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:08