For the kings and queens of the European monarchy, horses—much like palaces—have historically served as symbols of power and wealth. This month, horses are returning to Versailles as part of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Instead of flashy displays of royal prestige, the equine animals are now emblematic of great feats of athleticism. Starting this week, the Palace of Versailles park will host equestrian events, five modern pentathlon events and the para-equestrian events in a temporary arena, along with an accompanying art exhibition, Horse in Majesty – At the Heart of a Civilisation.
At the Palace of Versailles, located 12 miles outside Paris, horses were not just housed at the estate—they were integrated into its architecture. The Great and Small Stables were helmed by Louis XIV to keep hundreds of the king’s horses. Located across from the palace, sculptural decoration embellished the stable’s facades. Among these, etched into the tympanum of an arch are three galloping horses by Pierre Granier and Jean Raon.
Unlike their 17th-century counterparts, the Olympic horses will stay in temporary, air-conditioned stables. The Great and Small Stables now house the National School of Architecture of Versailles and the Equestrian Academy of Versailles. The temporary outdoor arena is constructed on the Etoile Royale esplanade, lined by spectator stands armed with 20,000 seats. Attendees will have direct views of the impossibly long facade of the Versailles palace. The arena will stage two eventing disciplines in addition to the jumping and dressage competition.
The individual and team cross-country portion of the equestrian competitions will be held along the Grand Canal and throughout the thickly wooded swaths of the park. Temporary pontoon bridges will allow horses to cross the Grand Canal. The course also involves a series of water obstacles. There’s a new pond in the shape of a fleur-de-lis, a lily-shaped emblem symbolic of the French monarchy. Horses will run through a fountain that has not held water for over 40 years.
In addition to the games, through November 3, the National Museum of the Palaces of Versailles and Trianon offers an exhibition exploring equestrian civilization in Europe. Broadly speaking, Horse in Majesty – At the Heart of a Civilisation examines horses as a “vast subject,” whether that be as barometers of the social norms of a certain era, as loyal companions of kings, or as integral tools of war. Jacques-Louis David’s Napoleon Crossing the Alps, showing Napoleon balanced on his snow-white stallion, Marengo, will be among the paintings featured in the exhibition.
The Paris Olympics begin this Friday, with equestrian events taking place from July 27 to August 11 and again from September 3 to 7 for the paralympic games. The palace is among several iconic Paris sites that have been transformed into sports-centered venues. The museum will remain open while access to the park will be restricted.
