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What was the purpose of the Museum of French History at the Palace of Versailles?
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Palace of Versailles
Palace of Versailles, Paris.
The Museum of French History at the Palace of Versailles was created by King Louis-Philippe and inaugurated on June 10, 1837. Its primary purpose was to be consecrated "to all the glories of France," serving as a tribute to the nation's history.1
The museum's collection, which includes thousands of paintings and sculptures, traces the military history of France from the reign of Clovis I to Napoleon. While a large portion of the museum's holdings are not available for public viewing, many pieces are displayed throughout the palace, including in the Battles Gallery, which features numerous paintings of key military engagements and busts of celebrated leaders.21