Société des Amis des Grandes Écuries de Chantilly

Mission & Vision

Since its establishment in September 2022, the Friends of the Great Stables of Chantilly (Société des Amis des Grandes Écuries de Chantilly) has been dedicated to supporting the unique and spectacular Great Stables of the Château of Chantilly, a city 30 miles north of Paris known as the “Capital of the Horse”. More grand even than Versailles’ own royal stables, this iconic architectural masterpiece is renowned as the largest and most impressive stables in the world. It is home to the Chantilly Horse Museum—one of Europe’s largest equestrian museums—and the famous Chantilly Horse Show Company (Compagnie Équestre du Château de Chantilly). Both the museum and the horse show company, established in the 1980’s by the famous equerry Yves Bienaimé, are known as the Musée Vivant du Cheval or Living Horse Museum.

The monumental Great Stables were constructed between 1719 and 1735 for Louis-Henri, Duke of Bourbon, also known as Monsieur le Duc, grandson of Louis XIV and Finance Minister under King Louis XV. Driven by his deep affection for horses, the Duke commissioned architect Jean Aubert to create a grand edifice rivaling the royal stables of Versailles. Although the legend that the Duke wished to return as a horse is apocryphal, it reflects his profound admiration for the animal. The restoration and transformation of the stables and museum in the 2000s were made possible through the generosity of Karim, Prince Aga Khan, a passionate horse lover and racing enthusiast.

The Friends are all admirers of the monumental Great Stables and, for many of them, horse lovers with an affinity for one or more of the 6 equestrian worlds represented in the region of Chantilly:

• Horse Racing – Chantilly’s race course dates back to the 1820’s and was the first in France;
• Polo – the Chantilly Polo Club is the largest in Europe;
• Dressage;
• Show Jumping;
• Eventing;
• Carriage Driving;
• and the ancient tradition of Hunting on horseback.

Their aim is to enhance the museum’s offerings and visitor engagement through various initiatives. By acquiring and showcasing new collections, incorporating cutting-edge audiovisual and immersive technologies, and hosting special events, the organization works to bring the rich equestrian heritage of Chantilly to a wider audience.

Actions Led

The Friends of the Great Stables have been instrumental in enriching the Living Horse Museum and the Great Stables through various impactful projects. Key actions include:

Collection Expansion: The organization has significantly enhanced the museum’s exhibits by gifting and acquiring new collections. These collections illustrate existing themes such as Horse Racing and Hunting on horseback, as well as new themes like Polo and Carriage Driving. A notable acquisition includes an original US cavalry saddle from the Indian Wars, underscoring the museum’s dedication to representing diverse equestrian themes.

Technological Integration: The Friends are modernizing the museum experience by promoting the use of audiovisual displays and immersive technologies. This includes the development of a specially fitted audio-visual room showcasing “Improved reality” Go-Pro clips of actual rides by world-class riders. These high-tech displays aim to address the public’s demand for visual and sensory experiences, allowing visitors to experience the sensations and dynamics of equestrian activities.

Special Events: The Friends also bring more life to the Living Horse Museum through special events designed to bring the public—close to 500,000 visitors come to the Château of Chantilly every year—into closer proximity with horses, enhancing their overall experience and connection to the equestrian world.

Projects that U.S. Donors Can Support

Through Friends of Fondation de France, American donors have the opportunity to join the mission of the Société des Amis des Grandes Écuries de Chantilly by contributing to several key projects:

1. High-Tech Room: Donations will support the creation of a high-tech room featuring immersive audiovisual experiences that simulate the sensory experiences of the public. In a dedicated space showing Go-Pro films enhanced with high-tech sound design and high quality visuals, visitors will be able to experience top international riders as they race, jump, gallop, drive, or ride a horse, in a near-real-life appreciation of the sensations, sounds, and motions experienced by the rider.
2. Polo Room: The Friends of the Great Stables have introduced Polo into the Living Horse Museum. Despite its relevance as a spectacular and true rider’s sport, Polo was not previously represented at the museum. As a first step, the Friends created the Polo displays, including an audiovisual setup to educate the public about the rules and peculiarities of this poorly known and under-appreciated ancient equestrian sport. Donations will support the creation of a dedicated Polo Room, providing the public with a fuller historical and practical perspective on this sport. When finished, the Polo Room might become the first real Polo museum in Europe.

By supporting these initiatives, donors help preserve and enhance the Great Stables of Chantilly, ensuring that the legacy of this remarkable architectural and cultural treasure continues to inspire and educate future generations.

Photo credit ©Marc Walter