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Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée vivant du Cheval is housed in the Grandes Écuries du château de Chantilly, built between 1719 and 1740 by architect Jean Aubert for Louis Henri de Bourbon, 7th Prince of Condé. The latter, passionate about horses, wanted stables to measure his rank, capable of sheltering 240 horses and 500 hunting dogs. The building, inspired by the Grand Ecuries of Versailles, is distinguished by its dome overhanged by a replica of La Renommée, an original statue destroyed during the French Revolution. Stone sculptures and decorations celebrate military victory and horse, reflecting the prince's power.

Inaugurated in 1982 by Yves Beloved, the museum presents collections of objects and works of art illustrating the relationship between man and horse through the ages. After a major renovation in 2013, financed by the foundation of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the museum offers 15 thematic rooms, equestrian demonstrations and performances under the dome. The stables now house some 40 horses, mainly Iberian (Pura Raza Española, Lusitanians), selected for their agility and their ability to attend high school.

The Grand Ecuries, classified as a historical monument, are an architectural masterpiece of the eighteenth century. Their dome, 28 meters high, once served as a reception room for prestigious guests such as Louis XV or Frédéric II of Prussia. The replica of La Renomée, installed in 1989, recalls the ambition of the prince of Condé. The museum also showcases the horse-related professions (sellier, marshal-ferrant) and the local heritage, including Chantilly's horse races, which have been present since 1834.

Equestrian shows, created by Sophie and Virginie Beloved, combine high school dressage, voltige, music and theatre. Since 2011, traditional French horse riding in Chantilly has been included in UNESCO's intangible heritage. The horses, trained for 2 to 3 years, participate in demonstrations and more than 120 annual performances, attracting tens of thousands of visitors.

The museum's collections come from the Condé Museum and private donations, including those of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. They include Bohemia glass vases, ancient books, historical harnacches and carousel animals. Two hippomobile cars are on display: the hunting carriage of Empress Josephine and Marie-Louise, and the gala sedan of the Duke of Bourbon. The museum also explores the role of horses in war, hunting, recreation and power through civilizations.

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