A historic French chateau, acclaimed as the nation's favourite monument, has issued a heartfelt appeal for public generosity to secure a €68 million (£59 million) renovation fund. Chateau de Chantilly, located in the Oise department north of Paris, is embarking on a critical decade-long project to safeguard its extensive and invaluable collection of precious books and manuscripts.
Urgent Need for Preservation
The estate has revealed that significant structural work is imperative over the next ten years to protect its architectural heritage and rare artefacts. According to official statements, €33 million (£29 million) is required solely for urgent health and safety needs, highlighting the pressing nature of the restoration efforts.
A Treasure Trove at Risk
Within the chateau lies the Musée Condé, which houses France's second-most extensive art collection after the Louvre, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Fra Angelico, Poussin, and Raphael. The museum's reading room contains approximately 60,000 volumes, including rare antique books and illuminated medieval manuscripts, described as a true treasure trove.
The necessary renovations include updating the air conditioning system, stabilising the flooring, overhauling the electrical infrastructure, and restoring the leather on shelves and parquet flooring. These measures are essential to prevent deterioration and ensure the long-term preservation of this cultural gem.
Financial Challenges and Future Plans
Despite generating revenue of €19.8 million (£17.1 million) last year, the property still needs to identify additional funding sources to meet the massive investment required. The chateau's "Chantilly 2030" strategy, based on a 2021 auditors' report, aims to preserve the site's architectural integrity and maintain visitor numbers, but current resources are insufficient.
Since 2020, restoration projects have been supported by the Friends of the Condé Museum and the Friends of the Domaine de Chantilly, following 15 years of funding from the late Aga Khan IV. However, the scale of the upcoming work necessitates a broader public campaign.
Public Appeal and Visitor Growth
A major fundraising initiative is set to launch this year, with a broad appeal to public generosity to finance the library's restoration. The chateau welcomed 658,164 visitors in 2025, marking a 20 per cent increase from the previous year, and anticipates exceeding 700,000 visitors by 2030.
Voted "France's favourite monument" in a 2025 poll for France TV, Chateau de Chantilly plans to continue its momentum by offering a rich and accessible programme for all in 2026, reinforcing its status as a beloved cultural landmark.
