Paris is a fabulous city, rich in history, monuments and hidden treasures. It’s undeniable that our beloved capital has that “je ne sais quoi” that makes it unique. Among its finest jewels are Versailles and its château. Crowds flock there to stroll through its gardens, but also to photograph its Hall of Mirrors, designed by the Sun King, from every angle. But did you know that there’s another gallery, just as sumptuous, in the heart of Paris?
A sumptuous, gold-covered gallery in Paris
The Galerie d’Apollon is an architectural masterpiece, combining painting, sculpture and gilding. Nestled in the heart of the Louvre, this gallery was the brainchild of a certain Louis XVI. At the time, the 23-year-old Sun King and architect Louis Le Vau embarked on a pharaonic renovation of the old gallery. In 1661, the gallery had been ravaged by fire. The young prince, who had chosen the Sun as his emblem, commissioned a gallery on this theme. The Greek god Apollo, patron of the arts and divinity of light, was the perfect choice.
The greatest artists took part in the project, including Charles Le Brun and Eugène Delacroix. Delacroix created one of the gallery’s most impressive paintings, Apollo Conqueror of the Serpent Python, 12 meters high! Twenty years after its conception, the Galerie d’Apollon served as the model for the Hall of Mirrors at the Château de Versailles, where the Sun King lived for much of his reign.
With its sculptures, carved woodwork and various gilded ornaments, this gallery is simply marvellous. Between the 28 portraits of the various sovereigns and artists who built and embellished the palace over the years, you can admire a unique collection of gems belonging to the kings of France. An impressive and perfectly preserved collection!
Reopened to the public in 2020 after 10 months of renovation, this gallery will enchant you with its beauty and impressive collection of jewelry and objets d’art.
📍 Location: Louvre Museum