Which architects designed and expanded the Palace of Versailles under Louis XIV?

The transformation of the Palace of Versailles into an immense and extravagant complex under Louis XIV involved several prominent architects and designers who worked to glorify the king.1

The primary architects responsible for the palace's expansion and design during this period included:

• Louis Le Vau: He began the major expansion of the palace, demonstrating a sensitivity to scale and creating the garden facade.2
• Jules Hardouin-Mansart: Succeeding Le Vau, he significantly expanded the palace—more than trebling its size—and designed key features such as the Hall of Mirrors, the Orangerie, the Grand Trianon, and the palace chapel.32
• Robert de Cotte: He completed the chapel in 1710 following the work of Hardouin-Mansart.1

Additionally, the project relied on the expertise of other key figures:
* André Le Nôtre: The renowned landscape architect who designed the expansive, symmetrical gardens that integrated the palace with the surrounding landscape.41
* Charles Le Brun: He oversaw the interior decoration of the palace, including the paintings in the Hall of Mirrors.21