1785 - XVIIIth century - Over the centuries

1785 : The “Grand Project” for the reconstruction of the façades of the palace facing the town

In 1783, Louis XVI wished to relaunch the reconstruction projects for the Palace. It was decided not to adopt the “Grand Design” of Gabriel and the Comte d’Angiviller, the director of buildings, invited tenders from several architects. All the submissions were too grandiose and the Crown could not finance any of the solutions proposed.

The unfinished Gabriel Wing (1771-1775) remained there. In 1785 it was adapted as a small theatre for Marie-Antoinette. The present staircase planned in 1771 was finally built in 1982-1985.

The matching pavilion in the Royal courtyard was built by the Palace architect, Dufour, only between 1814 and 1821.

Proposal for the Grand Project to rebuild the palace of Versailles, entrance courtyards side. Reconstruction project for the palace of Versailles with a colonnade like that of Saint Peter's in Rome, circa 1780, Marie-Joseph Peyre (1730-1785) French architect, Versailles, châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon © RMN (Château de Versailles) / Gérard Blot

Proposal for the reconstruction of the palace of Versailles