The historic Château de Pau is preparing for major restoration work beginning in 2026, prompting a new exhibition that explores the castle's architectural evolution and the various renovation projects that have shaped its character over the centuries. The exhibition, titled "Projets et merveilles" (Projects and Wonders), showcases both realized and fantastical transformation proposals that have been considered for the castle throughout its history.
The castle's entrance portico, which was erected in 1862 following the demolition of the Chancellery wing of the Kings of Navarre, serves as a testament to the building's continuous evolution. This architectural feature was documented in historical photographs by Alphonse Davanne (1824-1912), a Parisian photographer whose albumen prints from glass collodion negatives around 1860 provide valuable visual records of the castle's transformation during that period.
"At the Château de Pau, history is not just part of the past," explains Paul Mironneau, Director of the National Museum and Château de Pau Estate. "As soon as we open a pipe, strip a wall, or remove plaster, we stumble upon the history of the monument and its restoration." This ongoing discovery of historical elements highlights how the castle continues to reveal its secrets through routine maintenance and renovation work.
The château regularly undergoes various restoration projects, and the upcoming major works scheduled to begin in 2026 will be particularly extensive. These large-scale operations are designed to restore ceilings and floors throughout the building, addressing structural needs that have accumulated over time. The comprehensive nature of these renovations will require the temporary closure of several iconic rooms in the south wing.
Among the spaces that will be affected by the closure is the renowned Salle aux Cent Couverts (Hall of One Hundred Place Settings), one of the castle's most emblematic rooms. This significant disruption to public access underscores the scale and importance of the planned restoration work, which aims to preserve the castle's architectural integrity for future generations while maintaining its status as a major cultural attraction.
