Snapchat and the Palace of Versailles have announced a partnership to launch Dansez Versailles, an augmented reality (AR) experience that allows visitors to explore baroque dance traditions in the gardens of the historic palace. Using Snapchat’s AR technology, guests can engage with digital recreations of dances and festivities that were central to life at the Royal Court during the reign of Louis XIV.
According to the announcement, dance played a significant role in the court of Louis XIV, serving not only as entertainment but also as a tool for political influence and cultural expression. The king, who was trained as a dancer from childhood, established baroque dance as an important part of court life. Events such as balls, masquerades, ballets, and comedy-ballets were regular features at Versailles. The founding of the Royal Academy of Dance in 1661 by Louis XIV underscored this art form’s importance in shaping monarchical power.
“Through an immersive, fun, and educational journey, history comes to life in the heart of the gardens,” reads a statement from Snap Inc. “With Dansez Versailles, the objective is to restore the gardens of the Palace to their original function: a space for life, pleasure, and spectacle.”
The Dansez Versailles experience is integrated into the Palace’s mobile app and features four key locations within the gardens where visitors can view AR reconstructions of iconic dances from that era. Each site offers users an opportunity to learn about and virtually participate in these historical performances.
This collaboration highlights how technology companies like Snap Inc. are working with cultural institutions to create new ways for audiences to interact with history.
