Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens, located in the heart of Paris, are an oasis of greenery and tranquility in one of the liveliest cities in the world. These historic gardens, spanning about 23 hectares, are a meeting and leisure place for Parisians and tourists. Their rich and fascinating history is closely linked to the political and cultural events of France. The Luxembourg Gardens were created in the early 17th century at the behest of Maria de’ Medici, widow of Henry IV of France. After the assassination of her husband in 1610, Maria decided to build a new palace reminiscent of her native Florence, the Palazzo Pitti, and also commissioned the creation of the surrounding gardens. The Luxembourg Palace, designed by architect Salomon de Brosse, became the residence of the queen mother and the focal point of the gardens. Landscape architect Tommaso Francini was tasked with creating the gardens, drawing inspiration from the Italian gardens that Maria de’ Medici loved so much. The result was a magnificent green space, characterized by geometric flower beds, fountains, and statues. Over the centuries, the gardens underwent various modifications, adapting to the tastes and needs of different historical periods. During the French Revolution, the Luxembourg Palace was confiscated and turned into a prison, while the gardens remained open to the public. Subsequently, with the advent of the Consulate and then the Empire, Napoleon Bonaparte allocated the palace to the Senate, a function it still maintains. The gardens were also modified to reflect the new political structure, with the creation of new green areas and the installation of celebratory monuments. Artistically, the Luxembourg Gardens are a true open-air museum. They are adorned with over a hundred statues, monuments, and fountains, each with its own unique story and meaning. Among the most famous works is the Medici Fountain, a charming example of Baroque sculpture from the 17th century, depicting the nymph Galatea and her lover Polyphemus. Equally remarkable are the statues of the queens of France and other illustrious women, surrounding the large central water basin. From a social perspective, the Luxembourg Gardens have always been a meeting and relaxation place for Parisians. During the 19th century, the garden became a meeting point for writers, poets, and artists. Among them, we remember Victor Hugo, who loved to stroll among the tree-lined avenues, and the Impressionist painters, who often drew inspiration from the beauty of the place. The gardens also host the famous Luxembourg Puppet Theatre, which has entertained children and adults for over a century. The political dimension of the Luxembourg Gardens is closely linked to the Luxembourg Palace, home of the French Senate. This has often made the gardens the center of official events and ceremonies. During the world wars, the gardens were occupied by German troops, but they continued to be a meeting place for Parisians, a symbol of resistance and normalcy in difficult times. An interesting anecdote concerns the famous Statue of Liberty in the gardens. One of the first bronze versions of the renowned sculpture by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, donated to the city of Paris by the artist himself, is displayed in the gardens and attracts the attention of visitors, representing a symbolic link between France and the United States.