Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château du Clos Lucé, formerly known as the Cloux mansion, was built in 1471 by Étienne le Loup, Louis XI's advisor, on Gallo-Roman foundations. This medieval fief, originally dependent on the castle of Amboise, was acquired in 1490 by Charles VIII, who made it a summer residence for the kings of France. The house, flamboyant Gothic style, is distinguished by its facade in pink bricks and tuffeau stone, its octagonal tower and its chapel dedicated to Anne of Brittany, decorated with frescoes attributed to the disciples of Leonardo da Vinci.

In 1516 Francis I offered the Clos Lucé to Leonardo da Vinci, who lived there for the last three years, surrounded by his disciples Francesco Melzi and Salai. The master completed major works like La Monande and designed bold projects (channels, ideal city of Romorantin, staircase of Chambord). There, he organized a lavish festival for the court, including a heavenly re-enactment in 1518, before dying there on 2 May 1519. The legend of his death in the king's arms, popularized by Ingres, remains an artistic invention.

Ranked as a Historic Monument in 1862, the castle belonged to the family of Amboise until 1832, then to the Saint Bris since 1855. Opened to the public in 1954, it was partially restored in the 21st century to evoke the life of Leonard, although no furniture or period plan remains. Today, the 7 hectare estate houses 40 models of its inventions, a landscape park with giant machines inspired by its sketches, and multimedia spaces dedicated to its architectural and pictorial work.

Le Clos Lucé is also a popular cultural place: it was used as a setting for the show Secrets d'Histoire (2019) and inspired youthful works such as the comic book Le Guide ou le Secret de Léonard de Vinci (2012). Its oratory, its mortuary room and its gardens, where a 15th century pigeon-maker remains, bear witness to its dual royal and leonard heritage.

Future

The castle has been owned by the Saint Bris family since 1854.

It has been open to the public since 1954. The last owners, for more than 60 years, have devoted themselves to restoring the place in the original spirit, to give glory to the Italian scholar who marked the places of his genius and his multiple talents.

The mission set: to convey the universal heritage, memory and knowledge of Leonardo da Vinci.

The 7 hectare park of the Clos Lucé is an initiatory journey in the footsteps of Leonard and his disciples, where one finds his major creations and inventions.
The tour is designed in a playful and educational spirit, which children will appreciate.

The ground floor of the mansion features many 3D animated models. Technology is omnipresent in the Domain (partnership with Dassault Systems).

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