Palais-Royal

The palace began its life in the sixteen thirties as a private residence for Cardinal Richelieu, the powerful chief minister to King Louis the Thirteenth. Designed by the architect Jacques Lemercier, it was originally known as the Palais-Cardinal and sat directly across from the royal residence at the Louvre. Richelieu adorned the mansion with an extensive art collection and lavish galleries before bequeathing the estate to the crown upon his death in sixteen forty-two. Following this, it became a royal home, serving as a childhood residence for the future Sun King, Louis the Fourteenth.