Musée Lambinet

Could a house speak? What stories would this elegant mansion tell? We are standing before the Musée Lambinet. Don’t let the unassuming name fool you. This charming 18th-century mansion holds within its walls a treasure trove of history and art, reflecting the soul of Versailles. This very building was once home to Jean-Baptiste Porchon, a royal builder for Louis XV. He clearly had a fondness for the finer things, as you can see from the beautifully carved features adorning the facade. A century later, the Lambinet family, after whom the museum is named, took ownership. Victor Lambinet, a magistrate, resided here, and his descendants generously bequeathed the mansion to the city in 1921. Their wish? To transform it into a museum. And so it became the Musée Lambinet in 1932. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic collection spanning centuries. The ground floor showcases the brilliance of Jean-Antoine Houdon, a renowned sculptor. His incredibly lifelike busts of Enlightenment giants like Voltaire and Rousseau are a testament to his talent. Upstairs, immerse yourselves in the exquisite Decorative Arts collection. Imagine the clinking of fine porcelain from Vincennes and Sèvres as you admire lavish furniture from the era. The second floor transports you back to the tumultuous days of the French Revolution. Here, you’ll discover artifacts like Louis XVI’s silk-printed speech to the Estates General and even a clock set to “decimal time”, used during the French Revolutionary Calendar. Before you leave, make sure to visit the Weapons Room. It houses a remarkable display of weaponry crafted by Noël-Nicolas Boutet, whose factory once supplied arms to Napoleon’s armies. The Musée Lambinet is a hidden gem. Explore its rooms and uncover the stories whispered within its walls. It’s a journey through time, art, and the heart of Versailles.