It might look like a palace, but this is in fact the Grand Stables in Chantilly, northern France.
Fit for a prince —
It might look like a palace, but this is in fact the Grand Stables in Chantilly, northern France.
Courtesy Jean Louis Aubert
Built by Prince Louis-Henri de Bourbon in 1719, the 180-meter-long building was the most impressive stable in the world, housing 250 horses and 300 hunting dogs.
Luxury living —
Built by Prince Louis-Henri de Bourbon in 1719, the 180-meter-long building was the most impressive stable in the world, housing 250 horses and 300 hunting dogs.
Courtesy Domain de Chantilly
In 1982, master rider Yves Bienaimé helped create a horse museum adjoining the Grand Stables, featuring an eclectic mix of equine artworks and a chance for the public to see rare species of ponies.
A horse's life —
In 1982, master rider Yves Bienaimé helped create a horse museum adjoining the Grand Stables, featuring an eclectic mix of equine artworks and a chance for the public to see rare species of ponies.
Courtesy Domaine de Chantilly
But by the turn of the 21st century, the building had become a worn shadow of its former glory. That was until the Aga Khan IV, billionaire and spiritual leader to the world's Nizari Ismaili Muslims, became involved in an ambitious plan to restore the elegant structure.
Marvellous museum —
But by the turn of the 21st century, the building had become a worn shadow of its former glory. That was until the Aga Khan IV, billionaire and spiritual leader to the world's Nizari Ismaili Muslims, became involved in an ambitious plan to restore the elegant structure.
Courtesy Domain de Chantilly
"I had done this sort of work in the developing world, restoring historic sites, but never here," said the Aga Khan (pictured center), who also has an office in Chantilly. The $3.3 million makeover was half funded by the renowned horse owner, with the remaining amount covered by the French Ministry of Culture, the region of Picardy and the Institut de France.
Aga Khan —
"I had done this sort of work in the developing world, restoring historic sites, but never here," said the Aga Khan (pictured center), who also has an office in Chantilly. The $3.3 million makeover was half funded by the renowned horse owner, with the remaining amount covered by the French Ministry of Culture, the region of Picardy and the Institut de France.
Thomas Samson/Getty Images/File
The rare artworks, including this wooden carving by German sculptors D. Muller and G. Denzel, come from a mixture of Chantilly's Condee Museum and private collections.
Amazing artworks —
The rare artworks, including this wooden carving by German sculptors D. Muller and G. Denzel, come from a mixture of Chantilly's Condee Museum and private collections.
Courtesy Aga Khan Development Network
The historic site also has 30 breeds of horses, with trainers in distinctive red jackets putting on regular performances for visitors.
Performing ponies —
The historic site also has 30 breeds of horses, with trainers in distinctive red jackets putting on regular performances for visitors.
Courtsey Domain de Chantilly