JEMA 2024: guided tours and a creative challenge at the Château de Versailles

The métiers d'art bring together a variety of professions and craft skills, linked to art and the use of ancient, cutting-edge techniques. These artisans contribute to the preservation of our physical heritage, as well as our intangible heritage. They are the guardians of a part of French culture. There's no doubt about it, when you see the craftsmen who take care of the Château de Versailles.

Bricklayers, stonemasons, upholsterers, restorers of all kinds: thanks to them, the Sun King's palace retains its lustre and splendour, much to our delight.

• To be read
• Tips for the week of April 29 - May 5, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• Free museums and monuments: places to visit this Sunday, May 5, 2024 in Paris
• Free Museums and Monuments to do in Paris and Ile-de-France, good ideas for outings

The Journées européennes des métiers d'art was created to showcase these professionals and their skills. From April 2 to 7, 2024, several thousand sites in France and Europe will open their doors to us, often free of charge, to reveal this hidden part of the world of culture and art.

The Château de Versailles is also taking part in this event, offering a variety of events for the curious. Visits and workshops are open to the public, to showcase the people who contribute to the preservation of the monument. Please note that there is a charge for these events.

On the program for these JEMA days at the Château de Versailles:

• Visit to the Imperial Silks for Versaillesexhibition at the Grand Trianon
  
  

  Imperial silks for Versailles, an exhibition by the Mobilier national at the Château de Versailles
  In this exceptional exhibition dedicated to Napoleon's silk order for the Château de Versailles, discover a set of never-before-used, like-new textiles in the Grand Trianon at Versailles. [Read more]

  
  
  
• Guided tours - 10 euros, on reservation
  • Imperial silks - visit to the exhibition.
    Saturday April 6 at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm and Sunday April 7 at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm
    This is the story of an exceptional order placed in 1811 by Napoleon, in support of the Lyonnais silk manufacturers then in great difficulty, for his project to refurbish the palaces of Versailles and Trianon. A selection of around one hundred sumptuous and varied pieces of fabric testifies to the innovations and quest for perfection of Lyonnais silk manufacturers in the 19th century. The exhibition is an opportunity to discover little-known works and world-renowned expertise.
    
    
  • Jean-Henri Riesener, cabinetmaker to the king.
    Saturday, April 6, 10:30 am and 2 pm
    Riesener was a supplier to the Garde-meuble from the end of Louis XV's reign to the French Revolution, delivering over 700 pieces of furniture to the French Court. Despite their dispersal at revolutionary sales, and thanks to the refurnishing efforts of recent decades, the Château de Versailles has preserved a large number of these unique examples by Louis XVI's greatest cabinetmaker.
    
    
  • Arts and crafts at Versailles.
    Sunday April 7 at 10:15am and 2:15pm
    Sculptors, painters, marble masons, cabinetmakers, upholsterers, etc. worked together to make Versailles a masterpiece, despite the constraints of construction sites and rivalries. For generations, these craftsmen have ensured the continuity of their skills. Take a look at some exceptional pieces, wonder about the techniques and gestures used, some of which are still practiced today, and grasp the inventive talent of these true creators.

An event not to be missed!