The gallery utilizes 357 mirrors to counteract the natural light from the 17 windows looking out over the gardens.
The mirrors were manufactured by the Saint-Gobain factory, which was established specifically to break the Venetian monopoly on mirror production.
At the time of its construction, mirrors were considered extreme luxury items, making the wall a display of France's economic and technological superiority.
The hall was used as the setting for the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871.
The ceiling paintings include over 1,000 figures, all executed by Charles Le Brun and his studio.
The floors are composed of intricate parquet de Versailles wood patterns.
During the 19th century, the hall served as a site for high-profile diplomatic receptions, including the visit of Queen Victoria.
The room contains silver furniture originals that were famously melted down by Louis XIV to fund wars, though they have since been replicated.
The glass used in the mirrors was crafted using a casting process rather than the traditional blowing method used in Venice.
The Hall of Mirrors, or Galerie des Glaces, serves as the central gallery of the Palace of Versailles and remains the most famous room in the estate. Designed by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the 73-meter long hall features 357 individual mirrors arranged in 17 arched windows reflecting the garden views. King Louis XIV commissioned the gallery to replace a large terrace as part of his expansion of the royal residence. The vaulted ceiling, painted by Charles Le Brun, contains 30 compositions illustrating the early years of Louis XIV's reign. It served as a passage for the King to reach the Royal Chapel and a venue for official court ceremonies. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was signed in this room on June 28, 1919. It underwent a massive restoration between 2004 and 2007 to clean the mirrors and restore the paintings. The gallery is located within the central block of the main palace building. It connects the War Room to the Peace Room.
From the center of the hall, pointing the lens down the long axis to capture the reflection of the windows and the ceiling murals.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak mid-day crowds.
Use the audio guide provided at the entrance to understand the symbolism behind the ceiling paintings.
Look out the windows towards the Grand Canal for the best view of the central axis of the gardens.
Avoid visiting on Tuesdays, as the palace is typically closed, and avoid arriving at the main entrance without a pre-booked time slot.
Closed on Mondays. Open daily Tuesday through Sunday. Occasionally closed for state ceremonies.
Photography is permitted without flash; large bags must be deposited in the cloakroom; smoking and eating are prohibited.
