Guided tours, an exhibition of sets and costumes, and a digital treasure hunt: the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles opens the doors of the Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs on the 19th and 20th September 2026, as part of the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days.
Built between 1741 and 1748, the Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs originally housed the administration of the King’s Menus-Plaisirs, which was responsible for organising the entertainments of the king and the court. It notably contained the props and stage sets used for theatrical and operatic performances given at the court of Versailles. On the 5th May 1789, the buildings were chosen to host the opening ceremony of the États-Généraux (French National Assembly), which would later become the “National Assembly”: the French Revolution was underway. Two major votes would then change the course of history and make this place one of the birthplaces of French citizenship: the abolition of privileges on the 4th August 1789, and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen on the 26th August 1789.
Since 1996, the Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs has returned to its original purpose and has housed the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles (CMBV), which works to promote French baroque music in France and throughout the world.
Guided tour of the Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs
Led by the team of the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles, these tours invite you to discover this emblematic site in French history and to explore its role and significance from the political, social and artistic perspectives, from the 18th century to the present day.
Duration: 45 minutes per tour
Tours depart approximately every 15 minutes
Discover the CMBV's musical instruments, stage decor & theatrical costume
Wander through the rooms of the Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, now used as rehearsal studios by the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles, and enjoy an exceptional close-up view of the period instruments, sets, puppets and opera costumes displayed especially for the occasion!
Digital treasure hunt “La saga Papillon à Versailles”
Investigate the well-kept secrets of 22 avenue de Paris in Versailles: these buildings, constructed under Louis XV, are steeped in more than three centuries of history… By following this treasure hunt, you will uncover numerous anecdotes, from the splendour of the King’s court to the present day, including the key moments of the French Revolution!
Duration: 45 minutes
Les Enfants du patrimoine cultural outreach
On Friday 18th September 2026, as part of Les Enfants du Patrimoine cultural outreach programme, the CMBV will offer pupils from four classes the opportunity to discover the historical and artistic heritage of the Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs. They will take part in guided tours and workshops introducing them to Baroque music, specially adapted to suit their school level.
