It's hard to keep track of all the Louis who have ruled the kingdom of France for centuries. But one of them never did, even though he was the eldest of six children born to King Louis XIV and Queen Maria Theresa of Austria. From October 14, 2025 to February 15, 2026, the new exhibition at the Château de Versailles retraces this unfinished destiny and this ultimately little-known figure in history.
Prince Louis de France, known as Monseigneur or the Grand Dauphin, died in 1711 at the age of 49, before his father, four years later. Despite his status as Dauphin of France, he never acceded to the throne that belonged to Louis XV, remaining in the shadow of his family. In this exhibition, you'll discover a portrait of the heir to the throne under the Ancien Régime in three stages, summed up by the Duc de Saint-Simon: son of a king, father of a king and never king.
Although he was never king, he played a major role in the Bourbon dynasty, being not only the father of Philip V, the first sovereign of the Bourbon branch of Spain, still reigning today, but also the grandfather of Louis XV and great-great-grandfather of Louis XVI, Louis XVIII and Charles X. Nearly 250 works illustrate the training and education of this worthy heir, including paintings, sculptures, objets d'art, manuscripts and graphic art.
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The new History Gallery at the Château de Versailles to celebrate 400 years - photos
The History Gallery at the Château de Versailles reopens its doors to celebrate the 400th anniversary of this emblematic monument. Free of charge from September 15 to 17, 2023 for the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), then from September 21 with a ticket, discover a completely redesigned and refurbished gallery, retracing the history of the Château from its construction in 1623 by Louis XIII to the present day. More than 120 works from the Versailles collections, accompanied by a digital device, enable us to understand the creations, transformations and upheavals that have marked the Château. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From October 14, 2025 to February 15, 2026
Location
Palace of Versailles
Place d'Armes
78000 Versailles
Prices
€21
Official website
www.chateauversailles.fr
