The Palace of Versailles is famous around the world for its opulent architecture and rich history but in the 17th and 18th centuries it also became a major site of scientific thinking. Versailles: Science and Splendour explores the important role science played at the Palace and highlights the hitherto overlooked relationship between science and power throughout the long 18th century.
This visit was arranged with associate curator Matthew Howles, who accompanied the group. On display at this on-going exhibition are wonderful treasures, many of them combining the artistic as well as technological skills of 18th-century France, such as the world’s most famous watch, designed for Marie Antoinette, which represents the pinnacle of artistic ingenuity and engineering. The exhibition also tells the stories of significant figures associated with the pursuit of knowledge at Versailles, including the pioneering Madame du Coudray, who trained thousands of midwives across rural France.
Image: The ‘Marie Antoinette’ perpétuelle, Breguet, No. 160 watch in Versailles Science and Splendour at the Science Museum © Science Museum Group