Museum of the History of France, National museum in Palace of Versailles, France
The Museum of the History of France occupies multiple wings of the Palace of Versailles and displays thousands of paintings and sculptures documenting French history. The collections are mainly housed in the attic spaces of the North and South Wings, where different galleries such as the Battles Gallery and Empire Rooms showcase works from various periods.
King Louis-Philippe I established the museum in 1837, converting the abandoned royal residence into a showcase of French historical accomplishments. This transformation was part of a broader effort to unite the nation after decades of political turmoil by emphasizing shared history and collective achievements.
The collection draws from royal treasures, private gifts, and works created specifically for display, showing how French history unfolded from its earliest moments to today through visual storytelling.
Visitors can explore the galleries in the attic spaces of both wings on their own or join guided tours to better understand specific rooms and collections. It is best to plan for several hours to view the works at a comfortable pace, since the exhibition is quite extensive.
The museum uses the former living quarters and auxiliary spaces of the palace as gallery areas, creating an unusual blend between royal life and historical display. This creative use of space gives visitors an intimate perspective on French history that differs from typical museum architecture.
Location: Versailles
Official opening: 1837
Part of: The Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles, Palace of Versailles
Website: http://museehistoiredefrance.fr
GPS coordinates: 48.80430,2.12085
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
The Versailles region and its surroundings feature a notable collection of historic sites, museums, and landscaped areas that showcase centuries of French history. Beyond the famous chateau, visitors can explore sites like the Queen's Hameau in the Versailles park, a rustic retreat of Marie Antoinette, or the Château de Malmaison, which preserves furnishings and decor from the First Empire. The Napoléon III Apartments at the Louvre demonstrate the splendor of the Second Empire, while the Domaine de Marly-le-Roi reflects the grandeur of Louis XIV's reign. Local museums host diverse collections, from Rodin's sculptures displayed in his former private residence to Maurice Denis's symbolist works at the Saint-Germain-en-Laye Priory. The Gustave Moreau Museum holds over 1,300 paintings and 5,000 drawings in the artist's former home. Gardens are also a major draw: Sceaux Park stretches over a mile with 17th-century geometric pathways, while Albert Kahn Gardens offer a journey through Japanese, French, and English landscape styles. These sites allow visitors to explore French cultural history through architecture, decorative arts, and garden art.
Palace of Versailles
63 m
Hall of Mirrors
70 m
Park of Versailles
1 km
Galerie des Batailles
16 m
Appartement du roi
54 m
Bust of Louis XIV
168 m
Chapel of Versailles Palace
123 m
Petit appartement du roi
62 m
Salle des Croisades
184 m
Grand appartement de la reine
30 m
Salon d'Hercule
96 m
Petit appartement de la reine
26 m
Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV
168 m
Grille royale of Versailles
105 m
Cour de Marbre du Château de Versailles
46 m
Aile du Midi
111 m
Grand commun
174 m
Diana Lounge
82 m
Pavillon Dufour
69 m
Aile du Nord
172 m
Cour royale du Château de Versailles
61 m
Palace and Park of Versailles
129 m
Cour d'Honneur
183 m
Cour des Cerfs
41 m
Vase de la Paix
86 m
Fontaine du Point du Jour
203 m
Galerie des Batailles
104 m
La Marne in bassin du Nord
189 mReviews
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