Dedicated to the Franco-American friendship and the preservation of beauty, culture and the arts.
It is an irony that a place whose existence owes so much to poetry and artistry is now almost indefinable by either. Versailles is an opus that transcends the vocabulary, perhaps even the imagination of its creators. It exists as an unparalleled and final statement that is likely never to be repeated.
Pictured: Alicia Bryan, President of the American Friends of Versailles, with her children Eloise Haynes and J.P. Haynes at the Grand Trianon for AFV's 25th Anniversary celebration in June 2023.
The American Friends of Versailles (AFV) is a 501(c)3 charitable corporation for improving and promoting a positive American-French relationship. AFV serves as a sister organization to the long established Les Amis de Versailles. The express purpose of the corporation is to encourage support of the Palace of Versailles and its gardens. AFV raises funds for seminars, educational exchanges, and specific restoration projects within the Palace and its magnificent park.
RESTORATION PROJECTS
We’re excited to share a video from Versailles, where President Christophe Leribault and Curator Beatrice Sarrazin discuss the restoration of the ceiling in Louis XIV’s Salon de Diane, a highlight on the main visitors’ tour seen by millions annually. As one of today’s most significant art restoration projects, we hope it will resonate with your passion for preserving cultural heritage. The American Friends of Versailles is honored to be supporting this extraordinary undertaking and we are actively seeking donations to ensure its successful completion.
Please consider a donation to the American Friends of Versailles to help preserve the history and beauty of Versailles for future generations.
PRESIDENT'S GALA COMMITTEE
We extend our gratitude to those who are joining together to host tables at our June 2026 benefit in France.
Ms. Alicia Bryan,
President
Madame Becca Cason Thrash,
Distinguished Honorary Chair
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Bartlett
The CORA Foundation
Comtesse Marie-Sandrine de Montmort
Madame Marie de Noailles
Mrs. Christopher B. Galvin
The Honorable Katherine Harris
Dr. Susan E. Kendall
Mrs. Maha Khan
Mrs. John H. Krehbiel, Jr.
Mr. André Michaels
Mr. Thomas M. Middlebrook
Ms. Elizabeth Petersen
Ms. Shannon Ralston
Mr. Lucas Somoza
Miss Gillian Sarofim
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Shemwell
Ms. Gloria Steves
Ms. Robin Tauck
With gratitude to the Mays Family Foundation for
generously underwriting the fireworks finale at our upcoming Versailles Gala.