An exhibition of costumes designed by Christian Lacroix at the Château de Fontainebleau - reviews & photos

As part of the Festival of Art History, Fontainebleau Castle is hosting an exhibition of stage costumes designed by Christian Lacroix, inspired by Marie-Antoinette and her legendary sense of style... Open from June 5 to November 2, 2026.

In 2026, the Château de Fontainebleau will pay tribute to Queen Marie-Antoinette through a series of exhibitions and special events. One of the highlights will be its focus on her significant influence on the world of fashion. Visitors will be able to experience an exclusive exhibition blending history and style, taking place at the Château de Seine-et-Marne from June 5 to November 2, 2026.

An exhibition dedicated to Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at the Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau is hosting the exhibition "Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at Fontainebleau: Splendor and Sweetness of Life" from October 11, 2026, to January 25, 2027. This is a wonderful opportunity for history buffs to immerse themselves in the life of the royal couple. [Read more]

The Château de Fontainebleau is hosting a unique exhibition as part of the Festival of Art History, which explores the theme of fashion. The historic site highlights Queen Marie-Antoinette’s keen interest in clothing and her significant influence on the revolution of women’s fashion at the end of the 18th century. Voluminous skirts, elaborate wigs, jewelry, and accessories—Marie-Antoinette’s distinctive style set trends and continue to inspire designers today.

There's no denying it—Christian Lacroix wouldn't disagree. This exhibition at the Château de Fontainebleau showcases his designs: stunning stage costumes created by the renowned French designer for the opera Le Postillon de Longjumeau, by Adolphe Adam.

These costumes, part of the collection from the National Center for Stage Costume, evoke the bold and vibrant style that defined 18th-century fashion, full of color and opulence.

Christian Lacroix drew inspiration from the pre-revolutionary era, heavily influenced by Marie-Antoinette. Floral motifs, layered fabrics and embroidery, richly colored textiles, towering wigs, and feathered hats—all elements that defined her style—continue to be celebrated today, gracing the stages of theaters and operas through the creations of leading fashion designers.

This exhibition invites visitors to discover it during the sunny season at the Château de Fontainebleau. Return in autumn to visit the second exhibition dedicated to Marie-Antoinette.

Our take:

The Christian Lacroix exhibition at Fontainebleau Castle reads more like a staging of scattered pieces throughout the château’s spaces than a true museum show. The route threads through a portion of the monument, where eleven mannequins are positioned, usually in pairs, across various salons and bedrooms.

Christian Lacroix is typically associated with flamboyant, extravagant creations, and that’s often the first image that comes to mind when a couture exhibit is announced. Here, however, the costumes are shaped to fit the Marie-Antoinette theme, steering the overall aesthetic toward something more restrained and historical.

Some pieces do reveal intriguing details, particularly on the backs of the garments, as the wall labels hint. Yet the distance from the silhouettes makes it hard to fully appreciate their finesse or construction.

Ultimately, this feels more like a complementary visit embedded in the castle’s agenda, or tied to other ongoing events, than a standalone destination. It’s still a pleasant discovery on site, especially since it’s free to explore during the festival.