Renovations of the Palace of Versailles are entering the next phase

Paris - The construction of a new museum and the revitalization of a forgotten museum is part of the next phase of extensive renovations at the Palace of Versailles, which its director Jean-Jacques Aillagon presented to journalists today. This new phase will also include, among other things, the modernization of the palace's facilities, the restoration of former courtiers' rooms and royal kitchens, and improvements to visitor infrastructure.
    The program was launched in 2003 and is planned to continue until 2020. The costs are estimated at half a billion euros (13.5 billion crowns). In its first phase, among other things, the Hall of Mirrors, which is one of the main attractions of the palace, was restored, and the facade facing its gardens is undergoing restoration.
    According to Aillagon, a museum dedicated to its history will open in the northern wing of the palace next year, and spaces for temporary exhibitions will be established. In the southern wing, the museum of French history, founded in 1837 by King Louis-Philippe, but which fell into obscurity, will be completely renovated by 2012. Spaces recently vacated by the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Ministry of Defense will also be used for its needs. Aillagon also plans to place a gallery of portraits of famous French personalities, from kings to footballer Zinédine Zidane, there.
    Infrastructure modifications are expected to help reduce queues at the ticket counters and speed up security checks; the plan also includes the construction of a new café, services for children, and, last but not least, an increase in the number of restrooms.
    The Palace of Versailles was built during the reign of King Louis XIV (1643 to 1715). It is one of the most visited monuments in France. Last year, about 7.5 million visitors passed through its gates, of which 4.7 million came to see the palace itself, while the rest headed to its magnificent gardens.