Versailles, France — Château de Versailles has announced a new phase in its long-term programme to conserve the more than 320 sculptures scattered throughout its gardens. Thanks to support from private patrons, the palace is restoring original statues, creating accurate replicas for outdoor display, and ensuring these historic works are protected from the effects of time and weather.
The world-famous gardens of the Château de Versailles are not only a masterpiece of landscape architecture by André Le Nôtre — they also form one of the largest outdoor sculpture museums in the world. With over 320 statues scattered along its grand axes and bosquets, the garden combines classical mythological figures, allegories and masterpieces of 17th-century French and Italian sculpture.
Safeguarding a sculptural legacy
Time and the elements have taken their toll on these historic works, and preserving them has become a major undertaking. Since 2005, a long-term conservation programme has been underway to restore original statues, install them safely indoors and replace them with faithful replicas in the gardens.
To date, thanks to generous support from individuals, companies, foundations and international patrons, more than 270 statues have been restored and moved to protective indoor display spaces, such as the Gallery of Sculptures and Mouldings at Versailles.
The power of patronage
This enormous programme wouldn’t be possible without philanthropic support. In fact, half of the budget for securing and sheltering garden sculptures comes from Versailles itself, and the other half is funded by patrons — underlining how essential private support has become for heritage conservation at Versailles.
Among the early successes made possible by patronage was the rescue of one of the garden’s most iconic groups — the Apollo Served by the Nymphs, a masterpiece of French Baroque sculpture. Without early support from the Versailles Foundation (USA), this work may not have survived in its original form.
Conservation strategy
The decision to produce replicas is not taken lightly. Original works are first restored in Versailles’ sculpture conservation workshops, where plaster moulds are created using silicone elastomer. These moulds enable the casting of highly detailed replica sculptures made of a resin and marble powder mixture specially developed for the palace.
Although the replicas lack the natural veining of real marble, they are microscopically faithful to the originals and allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the garden compositions while the historic sculptures are protected from further weathering.
The programme does not aim to replace every sculpture: the conservation team prioritises works according to artistic significance, historical importance and condition, together with ongoing preventive care.
Join the Legacy: Adopt a Statue
Versailles has opened its “Adopt a Statue” campaign, inviting patrons to support the restoration or replication of individual works. From summer 2025, interested donors — whether individuals, companies or foundations — can contribute to preserving this unique cultural heritage.
Contributors to the programme receive special recognition, including their name on the plaque at the base of the restored work or its replica, and exclusive access opportunities such as private visits to the restoration workshops.
