14h-18h: guided theatrical tours of the Hotel des Menus-Plaisirs
This tour, led by the staff of the CMBV, invites you to discover this historic site, emblematic of French history, and to understand its function and its place on the political, social, and artistic levels from the 18th century to the present day!
The Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, built between 1741 and 1748, initially housed the King’s Menus-Plaisirs administration in charge of organizing the cultural pleasures of the king and the court. It housed the props and sets used for theatre and opera performances given at the court of Versailles. On May 5, 1789, the buildings were chosen to host the opening ceremony of the États-Généraux, which later became the «National Assembly»: the French Revolution was underway. Two major votes changed the course of history and made this place the cradle of French citizenship: the abolition of privileges (4 August 1789) and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (26 August 1789).
Since 1996, the Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs has returned to its original vocation and is home to the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles (CMBV) whose national mission is to rediscover and enhance the French musical heritage of the 17th and 18th centuries. Through its research, publishing, training, production of concerts and shows, its educational, artistic and cultural activities and the provision of its resources, More than ever, the CMBV is committed to exploring this forgotten heritage and promoting it in France and around the world.
Allow 40 to 50 minutes for a visit.
Free and free entrance, without limit of places: visits will take place from 14h to 18h. Their schedules will be set on D-Day based on the influx of visitors.