Come and admire period costumes preserved in the archives or on loan from French institutions. Immerse yourself in a royal atmosphere with this exhibition, which brings together a collection of magnificent pieces!
At Versailles, clothing was about more than just elegance; it served as a clear indicator of status, profession, and social affiliation. Beneath the splendor of the Court lay a remarkably diverse society, comprising individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and roles.
The exhibition shines a spotlight on this population—a group often overlooked in depictions of Versailles. While the attire of monarchs and courtiers is well known today, the appearance of the town’s ordinary inhabitants remains far more obscure.
Until the French Revolution, Versailles was the seat of monarchical power and the official royal residence. The town attracted a multitude of workers and communities whose lives revolved around the rhythms of the Château and its daily operations. From the working classes and the middle strata to the privileged circles close to the Court, everyone held a distinct place in this society.
By focusing on clothing and self-presentation, the exhibition reveals a different side of Versailles: the story of its inhabitants, their professions, their lifestyles, and the sartorial codes that distinguished the various ranks of Versaillais society.
The exhibition shines a spotlight on this population—a group often overlooked in depictions of Versailles. While the attire of monarchs and courtiers is well known today, the appearance of the town’s ordinary inhabitants remains far more obscure.
Until the French Revolution, Versailles was the seat of monarchical power and the official royal residence. The town attracted a multitude of workers and communities whose lives revolved around the rhythms of the Château and its daily operations. From the working classes and the middle strata to the privileged circles close to the Court, everyone held a distinct place in this society.
By focusing on clothing and self-presentation, the exhibition reveals a different side of Versailles: the story of its inhabitants, their professions, their lifestyles, and the sartorial codes that distinguished the various ranks of Versaillais society.
