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400 Years of the Palace of Versailles 1623 - 2023:

Lux team • May 5, 2023
Palace of Versailles interior

In 2023, the Palace of Versailles celebrates its 400th anniversary. For four centuries, the Palace has held a unique place in history and in our collective imagination. To celebrate this anni-

versary, a diverse array of public programming will be planned, including the re-opening of the Gallery of the History of the Palace, scheduled for September.

This anniversary year is an invitation to revisit the long history of the palace and its estate.

Palace of Versailles garden

1623: THE BIRTH OF A MYTH NAMED VERSAILLES
Though Henry IV appreciated the game-rich forests of the modest

hamlet of Versailles, it was his son, Louis XIII, who selected this location for a hunting lodge that he took full ownership of in 1623.
A few years later, he had a grander palace built on the site of the pa- vilion. This palace, more comfortable and better decorated, was more fitting for prerogatives of the royal office. It was in this palace that the future Louis XIV, still a child, spent a few nights around 1640.

Needless to say, we have the Sun King to thank for the palace we see today. To show the magnificence of his reign to all Europe, in 1661 Louis XIV took his father’s modest palace and transformed it into one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. He installed his court there in 1682. His successors, Louis XV and Louis XVI, remained very attached to this location.

In the 19th century, despite the upheavals of several successive regimes in France, Versailles remained a powerful political symbol. Emptied of its furniture since the Revolution, in 1837 Louis-Philippe transformed it into a museum “dedicated to all the glories of France.”

The current purpose of the palace thus defined, Versailles continued to play its role in the history of the 19th and 20th centuries, from
the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871, to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. In addition, we must not forget Rockefeller’s donation that helped save and preserve the estate in the 1920s.



A RENOVATED GALLERY OF THE HISTORY OF THE PALACE
In honor of this exceptional anniversary, the museum is currently

undertaking a complete renovation of the Gallery of the History
of the Palace, which will reopen to the public in September 2023. This gallery will serve as an introduction to a visit to the palace, covering four centuries of the history of Versailles, tracing, up to today, the transformations of a palace in continuous flux. The new layout, rich in artworks and objets d’art and complete with a digital interface, will allow the visitor to peek into the splendors of a bygone Versailles, and to better understand the architectural masterpiece that we know today.

A book titled fifth ave 200 years of stories and legends

FIFTH AVENUE: 200 YEARS OF STORIES AND LEGNEDS

February 18, 2025
Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends is a masterful blend of evocative storytelling and rich historical insight, chronicling the remarkable transformation of Fifth Avenue from a serene residential street to a global symbol of culture, wealth, and style.This exquisite volume celebrates the vibrant history and timeless allure of one of the world’s most iconic thoroughfares. Featuring a breathtaking collection of images, the visually stunning edition bridges past and present, offering readers a captivating journey through two centuries of evolution.The book provides a panoramic exploration of Fifth Avenue’s transformation, from black-and-white photographs of horse-drawn carriages passing grand mansions to vibrant modern-day scenes alive with energy and sophistication. Archival images juxtaposed with contemporary photography illuminate the Avenue’s enduring cultural, architectural, and social significance, capturing its legacy in every detail.More than a tribute, Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legendsis an immersive experience for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and photography lovers alike. This edition is a must-have for collectors, offering a rare and unparalleled glimpse into the street that has been a cornerstone of New York City’s legacy for two centuries.
A woman in a denim dress is sitting on a wooden bench

Natalie Wood

By Colleen Richmond • February 17, 2025
A Legacy of Love, Grace, and Timeless Elegance

RADA REDEFINES DINING IN CHARLOTTE WITH NYC FLAIR

February 16, 2025
Rada, a chic new restaurant in Myers Park, introduces Charlotte to an elevated dining experience with tapas, biodynamic wines, and shareable plates. Helmed by Chef Callan Buckles, formerly of acclaimed NYC spots like Claud, Momofuku, and The Four Horsemen, the menu is a bold fusion of global influences. Owner Eloy Roy envisioned this contemporary American eatery in the former Little Spoon space, creating a cozy yet upscale 50-seat spot with mint green walls and a minimalist aesthet-ic. From a $3 Gilda skewer to a $110 sirloin, Rada’s offerings reflect Buckles’ culinary pedigree and adventurous flair. With dishes like eggplant escabeche and seabass paired with txakolina wine, Rada aims to carve out a niche in Charlotte’s emerging shared-plates scene.Rada blends fine dining with approachability, focusing on flavors that challenge Charlotte’s palate while embracing its neighborhood vibe. Highlights include crispy roast chicken with vegetable farcis and Asian-inspired touches like fish sauce and shio koji. The bar program is equally compelling, featuring a gin martini made with anchovy oil and Basque pepper brine. Roy believes Rada will resonate deeply with diners, offering something fresh yet familiar. This new spot, opened on Selwyn Avenue, invites locals to indulge in innovative cuisine and discover what they’ve been craving all along.
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