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Key figures

Origin and history

The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine, located in Nancy, is an emblematic building combining flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles. Built at the beginning of the 16th century by order of Duke René II, it replaced a dilapidated castle after the Battle of Nancy in 1477. This palace was the main residence of the Dukes of Lorraine until its partial abandonment in favour of the castle of Lunéville. Today, it houses the Lorraine Museum, which presents the history of the territory from prehistoric to modern times, with a focus on the Duchy of Lorraine and its prominent figures such as Stanislas Leszczyński.

The reconstruction of the palace began in 1502 under René II, in a Renaissance style then innovative in Lorraine. The work continued until 1512 under Duke Antoine, who commissioned the doorwork decorated with his equestrian statue by Mansuy Gauvin. This facade, close to the style of the castle of Blois, combines Gothic elements (balcony, foothills) and Renaissance (windows, italian decors). The deer gallery, a majestic room on the floor, once housed a ceiling with painted boxes, destroyed during a fire in 1871.

The palace underwent major changes under Leopold I of Lorraine, which demolished much of the buildings to build a new palace inspired by the Louvre. Due to lack of resources and French occupation (1702-1714), the project was abandoned. The remains of this period include two buildings at the bottom of the garden and pilasters visible from the gardens of the Governor's Palace, later built by Stanislas Leszczyński. The northern facade, restored after the fire of 1871, adopted a more pronounced Renaissance style.

The Lorrain Museum, located in the palace, exhibits various collections: the history of the duchy, works by Lorrain artists (Georges de La Tour, Jacques Callot, Clodion), and local manufactures such as the faiences of Lunaville. The museum extends to neighbouring buildings, including the Cordeliers church, which houses the tombs of the Dukes. This site, classified as a historical monument, illustrates the architectural and cultural heritage of Lorraine, between medieval influences and Renaissance.

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