Private visit to the Banque de France- Saturday, May 12th 10:15am

Join us for a private guided visit (in English) of 

the Banque de France

We are thrilled to offer this exceptional visit to the Banque's Hôtel de Toulouse and its Galerie Dorée, Salle du Damier, and the General Council rooms (if available). The Galerie Dorée is a spectacular gilded room in the Hôtel that once belonged to King Louis XIV’s “legitimized” son, the Comte de Toulouse. Today, the beautifully renovated gallery is open only by invitation of the Governor of the Banque de France.

The Gallery Dorée measures 40 meters long and 6 and a half meters wide. It was built between 1635 and 1640 by François Mansart for the Secretary of State of Louis XIII, Louis Phélypeaux de la Vrillière. It was entirely renovated between 1714 and 1719 by the architect Robert de Cotte and the sculptor Louis-Antoine Vassé after the mansion was purchased by the Count of Toulouse.

The frescoed ceiling of the Galerie Dorée was painted by Francois Perrier between 1646 and 1649, and renovated in the 19th century. It is organised around four elements represented by four paintings in each of the corners of the Gallery: water with Neptune and Amphitrite, earth with Pluto and Proserpine, fire with Jupiter and Semele, and air with Aeolus and Juno. In the center, in all its majesty, is Apollo and his chariot, lead by the morning star and followed by the moon traversing the sky. 

Saturday, May 12th

10:15am (visit starts at 10:30 sharp)

American Club of Paris members only.

 25€ 
   

This event is limited to first 20 to register.

A list of registrants will be provided to the Banque before the 26th of April, and you will need identification to enter the building.