Versailles to host exhibition exploring the city's hidden history

An upcoming exhibition titled ‘Versailles Insolite’ will be held at the Ancienne Poste in Versailles from September 9 to November 15, 2026. The showcase aims to reveal the lesser-known aspects of the royal city through nearly 100 surprising anecdotes, spanning from its origins as a medieval village in 1038 to contemporary transformations.

Key historical highlights mentioned include the presence of Prussians in 1871, the display of elephants in 1901, and the final public execution in France in 1939. The exhibition also covers modern cultural milestones, such as the 1988 Pink Floyd concert at the Place d’Armes, which drew 160,000 spectators.

Historical accounts of the city during the 17th century describe a bustling, chaotic environment where luxury coexisted with poverty. During the reign of Louis XIV, the city saw rapid development, including early attempts at street lighting and waste collection, though residents often dealt with roaming livestock and poor road conditions.