Museum of the History of 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.