Gardens of the enlightenment, 1750-1800

In spring 2026, at the Grand Trianon, the exhibition "Gardens of the Enlightenment, 1750-1800" offers a unique insight into landscape gardens in the 18th century. The exhibition tour brings together almost 160 works, including paintings, drawings, furniture, architectural plans, and costumes, spectacularly presented to showcase the birth of an art of landscape freed from the rules of the French formal garden and celebrating irregularity, fantasy and a philosophical evocation of nature. With close reference to the gardens commissioned by Marie-Antoinette at the Petit Trianon, the exhibition offers a sensitive rereading of iconic sites which visitors can then discover for themselves, such as the Belvedere, the Temple of Love and the Queen's Hamlet.

Curator

Elisabeth Maisonnier, Chief heritage curator, National Museum of the Châteaux of Versailles and Trianon.

Partners

The exhibition is a special partnership with the Bibliothèque nationale de France