Amerindian allies at the court of Louis XV: the exhibition at the Château de Versailles

In 2025, the Château de Versailles plunges into the court of many French kings, including that of the young Louis XV, which was partly composed of his "Amerindian" allies. From November 25, 2025 to April 26, 2026, a new exhibition takes us on a journey between two continents, into the little-known world of the indigenous societies of the Mississippi Valley who had to ally themselves with the French when they took up residence in Louisiana in the 18th century.

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The French had to adapt to Amerindian norms of diplomacy and forge economic, military and political alliances with native nations. To seal this alliance, the Compagnie des Indes and the young king invited the Oto, Osage, Missouri and Illinois chiefs to come to the court of Versailles, an important episode recounted at the heart of the exhibition, thanks to works never before exhibited.

Maps of Louisiana, produced in Paris and America in the 18th century, are among the little-known objects presented to the public for the first time. Artefacts produced by these Amerindian nations, the oldest preserved works from the Mississippi Valley in the world, will accompany them, thanks to a partnership with the Musée du Quai Branly. It will also be an opportunity to learn about the history of Rameau's Indes galantes, a masterpiece of French music.