Royal Palace

The Palais-Royal, located in the heart of Paris, next to the Louvre, is one of the most historically and culturally significant buildings in the city. Originally built in 1636 by order of Cardinal Richelieu, it was initially called Palais-Cardinal. Upon Richelieu’s death in 1642, the building was bequeathed to King Louis XIII and became known as Palais-Royal. During the 17th century, the Palais-Royal was the residence of Queen Mother Anne of Austria and her sons, Louis XIV and Philippe d’Orléans. During this period, the palace was a center of political and social intrigue. Anne of Austria and her advisor, Cardinal Mazarin, ruled the kingdom from here during Louis XIV’s minority. It was also the refuge of Henrietta Maria and Henrietta Anne Stuart, wife and daughter of Charles I of England, during the English Civil War. In the 18th century, under the control of Philippe d’Orléans, the Palais-Royal became a lively center of social and cultural life. Philippe, known for his extravagant lifestyle and the need to raise funds, transformed the palace into a commercial complex by renting out the wings of the palace for shops and apartments. This period saw the opening of theaters such as the Comédie-Française and the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, which attracted prominent artists and intellectuals. During the French Revolution, the Palais-Royal played a crucial role as a meeting place for revolutionaries. The gardens became a gathering place to discuss political and social ideas, and the palace itself witnessed important revolutionary events. After the revolution, the palace’s reputation changed, becoming known for gambling and brothels until the intervention of Louis Philippe, who closed many of the shops due to their bad reputation. In the 19th century, the palace was involved in the disorders of the Paris Commune of 1870, during which it suffered a fire. It was later restored and designated for government offices, a role it continues to play today by hosting the Council of State, the Constitutional Council, and the Ministry of Culture. One of the modern distinctive features of the Palais-Royal is the “Colonnes de Buren,” an artistic installation created by French artist Daniel Buren in 1986. This set of white and black columns, located in the Cour d’Honneur, has sparked controversy but has become an iconic symbol of the palace. The gardens of the Palais-Royal, an oasis of tranquility in the bustling center of Paris, are an example of a formal French garden with fountains, well-kept flower beds, and centuries-old trees. The gardens are surrounded by covered galleries that house high-end fashion shops, antique shops, and historic cafes like the famous Café Kitsuné. The architectural history of the Palais-Royal is equally fascinating. The original design by Jacques Lemercier was expanded over the centuries, with contributions from architects like Pierre Contant d’Ivry and Victor Louis, who added neoclassical and theatrical elements. The fusion of architectural styles reflects the different eras and uses of the palace, making it an example of how architecture can evolve while maintaining its historical identity.