A Royal Court of Scientific Ingenuity: Versailles Reimagined

Scientific Patronage in the Gilded Age

Behind the opulent facade of 18th-century Versailles, a world of scientific exploration flourished. Monarchs Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI displayed an unexpected "progressive lead" by embracing scientific research and innovation.

Their patronage fostered groundbreaking advancements in engineering, natural sciences, and medicine. The palace became a hub of experimentation and invention, where scientific wonders were celebrated as works of art.

A Blockbuster of a Show

The Science Museum's mesmerizing exhibition "Versailles: A Royal Court of Innovation" unveils the palace's hidden past as a laboratory for scientific advancement. From exquisite drawings to ingenious machines and cutting-edge medical instruments, the exhibition showcases a breathtaking array of artifacts.

A Moment of Science and Art Intertwined

"Wonderful pieces" abound, including a "superlative" watch with a crystal face crafted for Marie Antoinette, "beautiful" zoological illustrations, and taxidermy dolls demonstrating advanced obstetric techniques.

The Monarchs' Scientific Eccentricities

While the Bourbons undoubtedly appreciated science, they also indulged in its more eccentric applications. The exhibition reveals the "freakishly enormous" hydraulic system designed to deliver water uphill to Versailles's fountains, as well as the paintings of exotic fruit grown in royal gardens.

A Haunting Reminder of Surgical Horrors

Beneath the palace's elegance, a darker side emerges with the display of a "wickedly elongated curved scalpel" used in a gruesome surgery on Louis XIV. The incident, which involved the testing of experimental procedures on impoverished subjects, underscores the complexities of scientific progress in that era.

A Masterclass in Storytelling

The exhibition is a testament to the power of science to captivate and inspire. It paints a vivid picture of a world where scientific innovation and artistic brilliance intertwined, leaving a lasting legacy on the history of human knowledge.