Museum Foundation 1833 (≈ 1833)
Created by Louis-Philippe I in Trianon.
1851
Open to the public
Open to the public 1851 (≈ 1851)
First Car Museum in Trianon.
1978
Transfer to the Great Ecuria
Transfer to the Great Ecuria 1978 (≈ 1978)
Moving from Trianon, demolition old building.
1985
Re-opening after construction
Re-opening after construction 1985 (≈ 1985)
New installation in the Great Ecuria.
2006
Closure for renovation
Closure for renovation 2006 (≈ 2006)
Start of expansion and restoration work.
10 mai 2016
Reopening under new name
Reopening under new name 10 mai 2016 (≈ 2016)
Inauguration of the Carrosse Gallery.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Louis-Philippe Ier - King of France
Founded the museum in 1833.
Charles-Auguste Questel - Civilian building architect
Designs the museum's first building.
Gérald Van der Kemp - Conservator of Versailles
Get the Great Ecurie for the museum.
Origin and history
The Galerie des Carrosses, formerly the Musée des Carrosses until 2006, is a museum dedicated to transport history and 19th century carriages, mainly. Located in the Grand Ecurie of Versailles, this place depends on the national domain of Versailles. The collection highlights prestigious vehicles, such as sedans, gala cars from the imperial court of Napoleon I, or the funeral car of Louis XVIII. These carriages, decorated with gold and sculptures, symbolize the monarchy, wealth and exceptional craftsmanship, bringing together the talents of the best architects, carpenters, dorsors and other artisans of the Court.
The museum originated from the will of Louis-Philippe I, who founded it in 1833 to pay tribute to "all the glories of France". Originally located in Trianon in a building designed by architect Charles-Auguste Questel, it opened its doors to the public in 1851. In 1978, the museum was transferred to the Grande Écurie, a space recovered after years of occupation by administrations such as the Ministry of Defence or the departmental archives. This move is accompanied by the demolition of the old building in Questel, considered to be old. After work, the museum reopened in 1985, then closed again in 2006 for major renovations.
Thanks to the patronage of the Michelin Society, the Galerie des Carrosses finally reopens on May 10, 2016 after a complete restoration of the vehicles and an expansion of the spaces. Today, the museum presents the most remarkable prototypes of the French bodyshell, illustrating the technical advances in comfort, performance and traction. Among the rare pieces are sleds, bearers' chairs, and a sedan belonging to the dolphin Louis de France (1781-1789), precious testimonies of the Ancien Régime. The exposed carriages, designed to impress, reflect the climax of an art where luxury and innovation blended to serve power.
The first carriages in France appeared during the reign of Louis XIV, around 1660-1665, marking the beginning of a tradition of prestige and ingenuity. The present collection, centred on the 18th and 19th centuries, offers a panorama of the technological and aesthetic developments of these exceptional vehicles. The museum, both a place of memory and a showcase of the French artisanal heritage, attracts lovers of history and ancient transport, while celebrating the splendor of royal and imperial courts.
