Snapchat and the Palace of Versailles have announced a collaboration to launch “Dansez Versailles,” an augmented reality (AR) experience for visitors. This initiative uses Snapchat’s AR technology to allow people exploring the gardens of the Palace to engage with historical baroque dances that were central to life at the Royal Court during the reign of Louis XIV.
According to the announcement, dance played a significant role at Versailles, serving not only as entertainment but also as a means of political influence. Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, was trained in dance from childhood and made it a key part of court culture. The founding of the Royal Academy of Dance in 1661 by Louis XIV underscored its importance in demonstrating rank and discipline among courtiers.
The Dansez Versailles project is integrated into the Palace’s app and guides visitors through four locations in the gardens, each featuring a reconstructed dance from the era. The goal is to restore the gardens’ original function as spaces for performance and enjoyment by leveraging immersive AR technology.
“Through an immersive, fun, and educational journey, history comes to life in the heart of the gardens,” according to the joint statement from Snapchat and the Palace of Versailles.
