The Hall of Mirrors (also known as the Galerie des Glaces) is the largest room in the Palace of Versailles. Construction began on the room in 1678. King Louis XIV ordered Versailles to be built as the new palace for the royal family. The room is perhaps the most ornate room in the world and has been replicated in many other establishments. The main feature of the room is seventeen marble arches overlooking the gardens of Versailles. Across from each of these arches are 17 gilded mirrors reflecting the beauty of the gardens. Each arch is further decorated with mirrors for a total of 357 mirrors used to decorate this single room.
Mirrors were one of the most expensive items to acquire in the late 1600’s. To posses a mirror showed wealth and power. King Louis XIV believing he was the most powerful man on earth sought to show this by utilizing the mirror as a decorating tool in this grand room. This room was built with the express intention to hold affairs of state, thus showing his contemporaries that he was indeed wealthy and powerful.
At its inception, the Hall of Mirrors was merely a hallway used by the King to pass through from his private apartments to other areas of the château. It is here that onlookers came to gaze upon the king or beg audience with him. In the beginning the hall was only used for special occasions when the king wished to add grandure to the occasion.
Brief History On The Construction Of The Hall Of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors was designed and built by famed architect of the day Jean-Baptiste Colbert. Colbert designed and furnished all of Versailles. It was his belief that the palace should only be constructed from materials of France. This presented a small problem however, since mirrors were made in Venice at that time. Colbert had mirror makers brought to France to produce product for the Hall of Mirrors. These mirrors were created at the Gobelins Factory, which is still in business today.
The Hall of Mirrors was furnished with silver furniture. This furniture was made from real silver, not silver in color. It was later used melted down for its value to help fund a war campaign. The art work along the walls and ceilings depicted the victories of Louis the XIV and used the symbolism of France.
The room continued to be used as a grand meeting place to entertain heads of state and hold royal balls and special occasions. Louis XVI was married in this room, and it is said that here in the Hall of Mirrors is where Louis XV met and fell in love with the soon to be Madame Pompadour.
Major Historical Events That have Taken Place In The Hall Of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors, when first created was used to entertain heads of state. Perhaps the most famous of these people to be entertained here during the reign of Louis XIV was when he entertained the Siamese Ambassadors.
After Louis XIV died the Hall of Mirrors continued to be used for royal family functions and entertaining heads of state. While many memorable events took place in the Hall of Mirrors, the next notable event came in 1871 when the second German empire was established and the German King, William I, was declared German Emperor.
The Treaty of Versailles was signed in the Hall of Mirrors nearly 50 years later, officially ending World War I. At that time the French reassumed control of Versailles and began to restore its country.
Today, the Hall of Mirrors is still used for certain French government functions, such as a reception area for heads of state.
The Château de Versailles is now a museum, cared for and maintained by the government of France. It is, in fact, the most visited place in France and perhaps the most visited palace in the world. The palace is the largest palace in the world and is able to restfully accommodate 20,000 people. The grounds are meticulously up kept and each room, including the Hall of Mirrors has been painstakingly restored to ensure future generations can experience the beauty of Versailles.
Restoration Of The Hall Of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors today remains a symbol of the ancient regime as well as a tribute to the magnificent history of France. In its ornate beauty, the Hall of Mirrors represents many things to many different people. Royal enthusiasts, history buffs, architectural and art lovers all flock to this room, perhaps the most visited room in the world.
The Hall of Mirrors was carefully restored in 2007 to ensure that the ancient mirrors, exquisite paintings and chandeliers and all the original remaining furnishings remain a treasure for all to enjoy.
