What if the silent stone figures of Versailles could whisper secrets of royal scandals, mythological tales, and artistic genius directly into your ear? Thanks to cutting-edge AI technology, they now can.
In an extraordinary fusion of classical art and artificial intelligence, the Palace of Versailles has launched a groundbreaking digital experience that lets visitors hold real-time conversations with 20 of its most iconic garden statues.
🤖 Chatting with the Gods: How It Works
No headsets. No tour guides. Just your phone and a bit of curiosity.
- Simply scan a QR code next to a statue using your phone.
- You’ll be connected to an AI-powered chat experience—text or voice.
- The statue responds, answering questions about its origin, mythological backstory, historical relevance, and more.
Available in 13 spoken languages and 3 chat languages (English, French, and Spanish), this tool transforms your garden stroll into an interactive journey through time.
🏛️ Bringing History to Life—One Sculpture at a Time
Imagine asking Cupid what he thinks of 21st-century love, or quizzing Hercules on his daily workout routine (spoiler: he’s still on a grape-heavy diet). While the statues won’t dive into modern gossip or politics, they offer rich storytelling grounded in curator-approved facts and historical context.
Each statue has its own digital “personality,” shaped through a collaboration between AI startup Ask Mona and experts from the Palace of Versailles. This ensures every response stays on-theme, accurate, and deeply engaging.
🌍 Why This Experience Matters
1. Immersive Learning
Unlike traditional museum audio guides, this AI-powered tour is dynamic. Ask follow-up questions. Jump around topics. Follow your curiosity.
2. Accessible Exploration
The experience is mobile-first, works in multiple languages, and is available both on-site and online, making the beauty of Versailles global.
3. Next-Gen Storytelling
It’s not just a tour—it’s a conversation. One that connects modern visitors with classical art in a way that’s personal and memorable.
đź“Š A New Era for Museums?
This innovation isn’t just a novelty—it’s a potential blueprint for the future of cultural institutions:
- Reaches younger, tech-savvy audiences
- Preserves authenticity through human-AI collaboration
- Scales easily to other sites, indoors or out
Museums around the world are watching to see how visitors respond—and how AI might help revitalize their own collections.
âť“Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can I ask the statues?
You can ask about their mythological roles, sculptors, symbolic meanings, and their place in Versailles’ history. They won’t answer questions about current events, sports, or politics.
Q: Do I need an app?
No app required. Just scan the QR code next to each statue or visit the experience through the official Versailles website.
Q: Is the experience available remotely?
Yes! You can access the AI statue chat from anywhere in the world via the online experience.
Q: Is the information accurate?
Absolutely. Each response is rooted in historical research and vetted by Versailles’ expert curators.
Q: Can I use it in my native language?
The system supports English, French, and Spanish for conversations, with audio available in 13 different languages.
Q: Is this just a summer feature?
While it launched in summer 2025, the technology is designed for longevity—with future plans to expand to more statues and palace areas.
🧠Final Thought
Versailles’ “talking statues” experience doesn’t just make history more accessible—it makes it come alive. By combining AI with artistry, the past is no longer silent stone—it speaks, jokes, teaches, and invites you to explore.
So next time you’re at Versailles (or even just dreaming from afar), don’t just look at the statues.
Say hello. They’re ready to talk.
Sources The New York Times
