http://www.americanfriendsofversailles.org/

The American Friends of Versailles, 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 3100, Chicago, IL (2026)

08/23/2026

The American Friends of Versailles is proud to have made possible the restoration of the Pavillon Frais, a historic pavilion in Louis XV’s gardens at the Château de Versailles.

Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel in the 18th century as seen in this archival drawing, the pavilion served as an intimate retreat for royal summer dining.

With the support of The American Friends of Versailles, the Pavillon Frais has been fully restored to its original splendor, from its intricately trellised stone façade to the recreation of its historic garden. Completed in 2010, the project reflects our longstanding commitment to preserving and restoring the remarkable heritage of Versailles.

Today, the Pavillon Frais stands as an enduring example of what the support of The American Friends of Versailles makes possible.

08/21/2026

Take a look back at the culminating dinner of the American Friends of Versailles’ Legacy of Light gala, an extraordinary finale held in the Galerie des Batailles at the Château de Versailles.

At nearly 120 meters long, the Galerie des Batailles is Versailles’ largest room, with a soaring vaulted ceiling, gilded ornamentation, and monumental paintings stretching almost continuously along its walls to form a sweeping panorama of French history.

Against this remarkable backdrop, friends and supporters of the American Friends of Versailles came together for the final dinner of the gala weekend, celebrating the historic ties between France and the United States while advancing our continued work to restore and preserve Versailles.

Photo: Catalin Vutcariov | Paris Wedding Photographer

08/19/2026

The American Friends of Versailles is proud to have supported the restoration of the Bosquet de la Reine, one of Marie Antoinette’s most intimate gardens at the Château de Versailles.

Created for the Queen in 1776 beside the Orangerie, the grove was conceived as a place of retreat and promenade, with winding paths and lush greenery creating a natural and graceful landscape.

Beginning in 2019, The American Friends of Versailles joined the Société des Amis de Versailles in reviving the grove, beginning with the historic replanting of Virginia tulip trees throughout the central area, a species particularly beloved by Marie Antoinette, and later supporting the restoration of one of its historic green rooms.

Today, the Bosquet de la Reine once again evokes the garden Marie Antoinette knew, preserving this remarkable piece of Versailles’ history for generations to come.

Photo: Château de Versailles

08/18/2026

Take a look at more moments from an unforgettable afternoon at the Château de Champlâtreux during the American Friends of Versailles’ Legacy of Light gala weekend.

Welcomed by the Duc de Noailles to his family’s historic estate, guests gathered for a garden party luncheon celebrating French heritage, hospitality, and the enduring “art de recevoir.”

From the château’s sweeping parklands to a spectacular equestrian performance, the afternoon offered a rare glimpse into the traditions and beauty of one of France’s most remarkable private estates.

Photo: Catalin Vutcariov | Paris Wedding Photographer

08/15/2026

The restoration of the Salon de Diane, proudly supported by the American Friends of Versailles, has brought new life to a room that once stood at the heart of Louis XIV’s court.

Decorated between 1671 and 1680, the Salon is one of seven rooms that make up the King’s Grand Apartments. During the reign of the Sun King, it served as a billiard room, where the royal family and members of the court gathered three times a week.

Following nearly twenty months of meticulous restoration, the Salon de Diane’s painted and sculpted décor can once again be appreciated in all its splendor.

The American Friends of Versailles is proud to have supported this important project alongside Dior Official and the Société des Amis de Versailles, helping preserve the extraordinary legacy of Versailles for generations to come.

Photo: Christophe Fouin & Thomas Garnier | Photographe

08/15/2026

The restoration of the Salon de Diane, proudly supported by the American Friends of Versailles, has brought new life to a room that once stood at the heart of Louis XIV’s court.

Decorated between 1671 and 1680, the Salon is one of seven rooms that make up the King’s Grand Apartments. During the reign of the Sun King, it served as a billiard room, where the royal family and members of the court gathered three times a week.

Following nearly twenty months of meticulous restoration, the Salon de Diane’s painted and sculpted décor can once again be appreciated in all its splendor.

The American Friends of Versailles is proud to have supported this important project alongside Dior Official and the Société des Amis de Versailles, helping preserve the extraordinary legacy of Versailles for generations to come.

Photo: Thomas Garnier

08/13/2026

The Legacy of Light gala came to a spectacular close with a grand fireworks display illuminating the skies above the gardens at the Château de Versailles.

Generously underwritten by the Mays Family Foundation, the display offered a dazzling tribute to America’s 250th anniversary and the pivotal French alliance, forged at Versailles, that helped secure American independence.

08/11/2026

The Legacy of Light gala weekend culminated in a unforgettable evening at the Château de Versailles, bringing together friends, patrons, and supporters of the American Friends of Versailles in celebration of a shared mission: preserving and protecting the extraordinary cultural legacy of Versailles for generations to come.

The gala was also a powerful reminder of the enduring friendship between France and the United States, a relationship that continues to inspire our organization’s work and make our preservation efforts possible.

Take a look back at more moments from this remarkable celebration and the community that makes our mission possible.

08/09/2026

Take a look back at more moments from the opening evening of our Legacy of Light gala weekend at the historic Hôtel de Talleyrand.

Surrounded by friends and supporters from both sides of the Atlantic, the evening set the stage for an extraordinary weekend celebrating the enduring ties between France and the United States and our shared commitment to preserving the legacy of Versailles.

Photo: Catalin Vutcariov | Paris Wedding Photographer

The American Friends of Versailles

08/23/2026

08/21/2026

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

08/15/2026

08/15/2026

08/13/2026

08/11/2026

08/09/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request