Luxembourg Palace facts for kids
The Luxembourg Palace (called Palais du Luxembourg in French) is a famous old royal palace in Paris, France. Today, it is where the French Senate meets. The Senate is like one of the two main groups of lawmakers in France.
A Palace for a Queen
The Luxembourg Palace was built a long time ago, starting in 1612. It was made for Marie de' Medici, who was the Queen Mother of France. She was the mother of King Louis XIII.
Queen Marie wanted her new home to look like the grand buildings from her hometown of Florence, Italy. Many people compare it to the much bigger Palazzo Pitti in Florence, where she was born.
Who Lived Here?
Over the years, many important people owned the palace. In 1642, Queen Marie gave the Luxembourg Palace to her second son, Gaston, Duke of Orléans. He called it the Palais d'Orléans, but most people still used its original name.
After Gaston passed away, the palace went to his wife, Marguerite of Lorraine. Later, it was owned by his oldest daughter, La Grande Mademoiselle.
In 1660, La Grande Mademoiselle sold the palace to her younger half-sister, Élisabeth Marguerite d'Orléans. This duchess then gave it to her cousin, King Louis XIV, in 1694.
In 1717, Philippe, Duke of Orléans, Regent of France, gave the palace to his daughter. She was known for hosting many parties there. She also welcomed Peter the Great, a famous Russian emperor, to the palace in 1717.
New Uses for the Palace
After the French Revolution, the palace was used as a prison for a while. Later, during World War II, it became a headquarters for the German air force, known as the Luftwaffe.
Since 1958, the Luxembourg Palace has been the official home of the French Senate. This means it's where important laws are discussed and decided for the country.
Images for kids
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The palace when Gaston, Duke of Orléans lived there.
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A wide view of the beautiful gardens.
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The Luxembourg Palace was modeled after Palazzo Pitti in Florence at the request of Marie de Médicis.
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The ceiling of the Salle du Livre d'Or.
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A floor plan from 1752, showing the large main courtyard.
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A plan of the main building from 1804 to 1836.
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Chalgrin's grand staircase.
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A plan showing the garden wing and senate chamber.
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The library ceiling with a painting inspired by Dante's Inferno by Delacroix.
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The Salle des Conférences.
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A view of the south side of the palace and the garden pool.
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A view from the Luxembourg Gardens.
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The palace at sunset.
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Inside the Senate chamber.
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The grand staircase.
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Another view from the south.
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A close-up of the clock.
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See also
In Spanish: Palacio del Luxemburgo para niños
