Brass ventilation grilles in Versailles parquet floors divide French cultural opinion

A scandal where none was expected. For the first time in the history of Versailles, the floors have undergone such sweeping changes: in several rooms the parquet now bears a great many brass ventilation grilles. The administration explains that the old air-conditioning and heating system can no longer cope with present-day loads; at times the air near the ceiling is heated to more than 32 degrees, which is harmful to the paintings and interiors and considerably increases the risk of fire. Whether these changes were necessary, and at what price Versailles should be preserved in its former state, have split the cultural public of France. Many blame the Minister of Culture and declare him unworthy of his ministerial portfolio. Opponents of the reconstruction are convinced that it is being done not to preserve the heritage but for the convenience of the multimillion crowds of tourists. It is hard not to recall the damage to the vaults of the old wing and the dismantling of the Fleury staircase leading to the Queen's apartments in 2015, likewise in connection with the reconstruction of the air-conditioning system… On the other hand, the system dating from the time of Louis-Philippe is simply inefficient: a great deal has, after all, changed since 1837.