Not Just the Tudors
Versailles: Science & Splendour
Feb 13, 2025
Matthew Howes, Associate Curator at the Science Museum in London, reveals the fascinating scientific advancements that took place at Versailles. Discover the palace as a hub of innovation, from groundbreaking surgeries to the infamous hot air balloon launch with live animals. Learn about the unique taxidermy of a rhinoceros and the intertwining of horticulture with royal power. The conversation also highlights the contributions of women in science and the promotion of medical practices that shaped 18th-century France.
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Quick takeaways
- Versailles functioned as a pivotal center for scientific innovation, intertwining royal authority with advancements like the Royal Academy of Sciences.
- The gardens of Versailles exemplified engineering ingenuity, symbolizing royal power through spectacular designs and monumental hydraulic projects that impressed courtiers.
Deep dives
Versailles as a Hub of Scientific Innovation
The exhibition reveals Versailles not only as a royal residence but also as a vibrant center for scientific thought during the 17th and 18th centuries. Key figures like Louis XIV established institutions such as the Royal Academy of Sciences to intertwine scientific pursuits with state interests. This institutional framework allowed for significant advancements, including efforts to accurately calculate longitude, vital for France's expanding colonial activities. The exhibition showcases over a hundred artifacts, including Louis XV's rhinoceros and a detailed moon map, underscoring the creative and scientific legacy of the palace.
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