Picture this. You are standing before La Petite Écurie. Its grand facade speaks of centuries past. This isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to French history.
La Petite Écurie in Versailles stands opposite the Palace. It’s situated between the Avenue de Paris and the Avenue de Sceaux. Architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart designed it. Construction finished in 1682. Originally it housed the horses and carriages of the royal court. Imagine the clatter of hooves the rumble of wheels. Thousands of people worked here during Louis XIV’s reign.
La Petite Écurie boasts impressive galleries. These once served as stables. Today they house the prestigious École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Versailles. The Centre for Research and Restoration of Museums of France also works here. They carefully preserve and restore invaluable artifacts.
Hidden within La Petite Écurie is a treasure trove. A collection of around 5000 sculptures and casts resides within its walls. These are mostly Roman casts. Archaeologists didn’t actively explore Greece until the 18th century. The collection includes casts from the Louvre the École des Beaux-Arts and the Institut d’art et d’archéologie de la Sorbonne.
These casts have fascinating histories. Under Louis XIV Jean-Baptiste Colbert ordered copies of ancient works. These served as inspiration for sculptors at Versailles. Some Beaux-Arts plaster casts retain May 1968 graffiti. Authorities see these markings as historical artifacts.
The gypsothèque within La Petite Écurie opened in the 1970s. It remained closed to the public for many years. It only recently opened. The gallery now displays sculptures from the Palace of Versailles. Some are replaced with copies to protect the originals. Examples include the Latona Fountain statue and sculptures from Apollo’s Baths Grove.
The architecture itself is noteworthy. The building is part of a complex with five courtyards. A circular riding arena stood behind the main gate under a large rotunda. La Petite Écurie has double galleries unlike the Grande Écurie which has single ones. The galleries feature vaulted ceilings. Stone forms the visible walls. Less visible walls are red brick with stone facing.
La Petite Écurie became a historic monument in 1929. It even served as barracks for the École de l’Air between 1935 and 1939. Its history is rich and varied. It truly stands as a unique jewel in the crown of Versailles. Each stone seems to hold a story waiting to be uncovered. La Petite Écurie is more than just a building. It is a journey through time.