A historic residence of the Montmorency family, then of the Maison de Condé, before being bequeathed to the Institut de France in 1897, the Chantilly estate, which covers more than 7,800 hectares, is a heritage jewel and an emblematic site of French history. It includes a centennial forest of more than 6,300 hectares and gardens that are among the most remarkable designed by André Le Nôtre. Its castle, rebuilt in the XIXe in the Condé Museum, the second collection of ancient paintings in France after the Louvre, while its large stables, masterpiece of the XVIIIe A splendid museum of horses.
The health crisis has led to a very significant drop in revenues for the estate (ticket sales, site privatization, shops). However, its very special public status, linked to the fact that it was bequeathed by the Duc d'Aumale to the Institut de France, does not make it eligible for the measures enjoyed by private heritage structures. In particular, it cannot make its 132 employees eligible for short-time work.
In order to preserve the domain of Chantilly, a factor of heritage and economic attractiveness for the territory, Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Economy, Finance and Recovery and Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin, Minister of Culture, have decided to award an exceptional aid of €4.5 million that will allow the domain to have the necessary cash to pass the crisis and preserve its employees. The amount of this aid may be revised, by the end of the year, according to the date of actual reopening of the domain.
France Relance devotes €2 billion to culture, including more than €600 million to support, renovate and preserve cultural heritage. This is unprecedented state support for the preservation of know-how, activity in the territories and the attractiveness of France. Beyond this effort, it was essential to help Chantilly, a French historical and cultural jewel, through this crisis. Our history and heritage deserve our full attention» says Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Economy, Finance and Recovery.
« The domain of Chantilly contains one of the most remarkable collections of paintings in the world, a forest and exceptional gardens, not to mention a magnificent horse museum. In all respects, it is an eminent part of our national heritage, which contributes to the influence of our country. It is also a public domain, since it depends on the Institut de France, which is under the protection of the President of the Republic. Supporting him in these difficult times is our duty. ” says Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin, Minister of Culture.