An extraordinary weekend of diplomacy, history, and philanthropy was crowned by a gala that provided the final $1 million needed to complete the restoration of the painted ceiling of the Salon de Diane.
Nearly 300 guests gathered at the Palace of Versailles to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and support the preservation of one of the château’s most important historic interiors. Over four days of private events, dinners, and behind-the-scenes access, patrons of the American Friends of Versailles experienced some of France’s most distinguished cultural and diplomatic landmarks before culminating in a black-tie gala within the palace itself.
Among the attendees were many Chicagoans whose generosity helped make the weekend a fundraising success for the restoration of the painted ceiling of the Salon de Diane, a work created during the reign of Louis XIV by Charles Le Brun and his circle. Seen by more than eight million visitors annually, including 2.5 million Americans, the ceiling had remained untouched since an incomplete 1955 restoration campaign and required conservation after decades of wear. The American Friends of Versailles witnessed an exclusive unveiling, where its original colors and gold leaf were revealed brilliant once again.
Why Versailles Matters to the United States
For many Americans, Versailles evokes royal splendor, sweeping gardens, and the grandeur of the French monarchy. Yet few realize that the palace also played a pivotal role in the birth of the United States. As America marks the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence, Versailles stands as one of the most meaningful places in France from which to reflect on that milestone. It was here, during the American Revolution, that the young republic secured support that helped shape the outcome of the war.
The alliance was more than a strategic partnership; it reflected a growing exchange of Enlightenment ideals that crossed the Atlantic during the eighteenth century. Concepts of liberty, representative government, and individual rights found receptive audiences in both nations and helped forge a relationship that would endure long after the war had ended.
For guests attending the American Friends of Versailles’ Legacy of Light Benefit Weekend (June 5–8, 2026), the setting carried special resonance. Gathering beneath the gilded ceilings of the palace, participants celebrated not only the preservation of a French cultural treasure but also a transatlantic alliance that has endured for nearly two and a half centuries. It is a reminder that Versailles is more than a monument to France’s past. It is also part of America’s story.
A Weekend Behind Closed Doors
For $15,000 per person, patrons experienced France through doors rarely opened to the public. Over a long weekend, the American Friends of Versailles were welcomed into some of the nation’s most distinguished settings, each chosen for its connection to the relationship between France and the United States.
The festivities began at the Hôtel de Talleyrand, a landmark residence overlooking the Place de la Concorde. Once home to the famed diplomat Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, later to the Rothschilds, and eventually headquarters of the United States’ Marshall Plan, the building today forms part of the U.S. Embassy in Paris. Guests attended a cocktail reception within rooms that have witnessed centuries of diplomacy, from the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars to the rebuilding of Europe following World War II.
The following evening, attendees gathered at the Quai d’Orsay, headquarters of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, where the foundations of today’s European Union were first discussed. Set along the banks of the Seine, the nineteenth-century building with ornate carvings and décor, has long served as a center of international relations. Hosting a unique dinner within its grand salons offered a glimpse into one of the most influential institutions of French government.
Next, the celebration moved to the countryside for a visit to the Château de Champ&lcirc;treux, an estate seldom open to visitors. Guests enjoyed a garden luncheon before gathering to watch an equestrian presentation featuring classical dressage, Western riders, and even an eagle—a tribute to the cultural exchange that has long connected France and America.
That day concluded in Paris with a cocktail reception hosted by Sybil and David Yurman at their flagship jewelry boutique. There, guests were introduced to a one-of-a-kind high jewelry bracelet inspired by the radiant crown of the Statue of Liberty. Created exclusively for the gala’s auction, the bracelet featured more than 25 carats of diamonds and reflected the evening’s spirit of craftsmanship and generosity.
The Grand Gala at Versailles
Under the high patronage of Madame Catherine Pégard, Ministre de la Culture, the culmination of the Legacy of Light Benefit Weekend unfolded as guests arrived at the Palace of Versailles for a celebration within one of the world’s most renowned royal residences.
Guests were invited to stroll through the King’s Royal Apartments before gathering in the Hall of Mirrors. Glasses of Rare Champagne were served in the neighboring Salon of Peace as visitors lingered beneath glittering chandeliers and reflected on the history that has unfolded within these walls for more than three centuries.
The evening continued in the Galerie des Batailles (Gallery of Battles), where cocktails were served beneath monumental paintings depicting pivotal moments in French military history.
Dinner commenced beneath the soaring skylit ceiling of the gallery, where guests enjoyed a menu created by Paris caterer LeNôtre. The main course featured turbot accompanied by champagne sauce and caviar. For dessert, guests were served a Palet de Fruits Rouges et Vanille paired with Rare Champagne Rosé Millésime 2014, whose fruit notes complemented the red fruit and vanilla flavors of the dish.
Soon after, fireworks burst above the palace gardens in a display choreographed to baroque music, illuminating the Versailles night sky and bringing the formal program to a close.
Many notable French guests attended as well, among them S.A.R. la Princesse Béatrice de Bourbon des Deux Siciles, her brother Le Duc de Castro and La Duchesse de Castro, Le Vicomte de Rohan, Le Duc et La Duchesse de Noailles, and Le Comte et La Comtesse de Montmort. From the Château de Versailles, Pierre-Emmanuel Lecerf, Président par intérim, and Laurent Salomé, Director of the National Museum of the Palaces of Versailles and Trianon, were joined by several curators and artisans who contributed to the restoration of the Salon de Diane. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort behind the project and the continuing ties between France and the United States.
Yet the celebration was not over. Guests returned to the palace for dancing late into the evening, savoring the opportunity to experience Versailles after dark. For many, it was the realization of a lifelong dream; for others, a reminder of the historic relationship between the two nations.
The Auction That Brought Down the House
If the gala dinner honored tradition, the live auction supplied the evening’s energy. Bidding was particularly competitive for a privately owned Nile yacht cruise through Egypt, a South African safari on a reserve known for its conservation efforts, and a stay in the Royal Suite at Baraza Resort in Zanzibar. Another favorite offered accommodations at both the Ritz Paris and Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, along with exclusive tours of Versailles, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Television enthusiasts pursued a coveted Emily in Paris experience, offering a behind-the-scenes day on the set of the internationally acclaimed series. Art collectors competed for a work by well-known contemporary artist Hunt Slonem, while champagne enthusiasts had the opportunity to bid on a Methuselah of Rare Champagne delivered directly to the winner’s home.
The evening’s headline lot was a one-of-a-kind David Yurman high jewelry bracelet created exclusively for the American Friends of Versailles. Inspired by the radiant crown of the Statue of Liberty and set with more than 25 carats of diamonds, the bracelet became a fitting symbol of the evening’s Franco-American theme. After spirited bidding, it achieved an impressive $260,000 in support of the restoration effort.
Every bid helped advance the restoration of the Salon de Diane ceiling, ensuring that millions of visitors will continue to experience the beauty and artistry of this important space.
Chicago’s Role in Preserving the Salon de Diane
AFV extends its sincerest appreciation to direct ceiling funders including Ken Griffin, the prominent financier and philanthropist whose charity has long influenced Chicago’s civic and cultural landscape, to Cindy and Christopher B. Galvin, and to AFV board member Laurie Bay, whose recent passing was deeply felt by the organization. Her direct support of the project became part of a lasting legacy within the restoration effort.
Chicagoans in attendance included Karen Gray-Krehbiel, Elizabeth Parker Crow, Keith Crow and their children George and Augusta, Anna and Paul Marks, Cindy Galvin, Steffi and Will Galvin, Elizabeth Louis, Kim Moore, John Gray, Karen and Paul Anderson (now of London), Ivan Dvorak and Josee Nadeau, Chloe Mandell Corrigan, and Kristin Smith, Executive Director of AFV.
Two and a half centuries after American independence found essential support at Versailles, a new generation of patrons returned to preserve the history that binds the two nations together.
Headquartered in Chicago, the American Friends of Versailles was founded in 1998 by Mrs. David R. Hamilton, shown here at the White House with First Lady Brigitte Macron, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Catharine and David Hamilton, President Donald J. Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump at the State Dinner in April 2018.
The next Versailles gala will take place in 2028. To receive an invitation, please sign up for the newsletter at www.americanfriendsofversailles.org
