When we think of crown jewels, we think of crowns, scepters, and the elegant clothing of sovereigns … But perhaps less so of the carpets they walked on. However, those designed for the Sun King deserve your full attention. This impressive collection of around thirty handmade carpets was never installed in the Grande Galerie du Louvre, where they were intended to be displayed. Today, after years of research and restoration, you can appreciate the full scale of this extravagant commission, which was intended to impress the whole world…
A treasure hidden from the world for over 300 years
For the first time, these exceptional carpets will finally receive the attention they deserve ! Under the glass roofs of the Grand Palais, you will have the privilege of admiring impressive carpets that even the Sun King never saw or walked on. For although these carpets were commissioned by him for the Louvre, they never had the chance to be displayed there.The project, which took more than 20 years to complete, had the dual ambition of impressing and guiding visitors “from the Louvre to the Tuileries.” Designed as a true ceremonial route, these custom-woven carpets, measuring approximately 9 meters, had everything to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Charles Le Brun, the King’s decorator and the person in charge of this project, featured the four elements (water, earth, air, and fire) and also represented the strong values of the reign, such as victory, strength, and abundance.
@mobiliernational Louis XIV exhibition Grand Palais
A historical exhibition on Louis XIV’s hidden treasure at the Grand Palais
But the project took time, far too much time… So much so that Louis XIV made Versailles the nerve center of his reign during this period. And then after the Revolution, the carpets were cut up, scattered, sold, and exchanged, making it impossible to reconstruct the complete set today. That is why this exhibition, entitled “The Rediscovered Treasure of the Sun King,” is historic. You will be able to admire around thirty carpets displayed on the floor, as well as 14 others framing the path. These sumptuous works are a testament to French craftsmanship.
📍Location: Grand Palais, Paris
Dates: February 1 to 8
🎟Price: €8 full price | €5 reduced price |