The Grand Salon, or Reception Room

The Grand Salon, or Reception Room, was designed for receptions, balls, concerts, and other events, opening widely onto the garden through the central French door and two vast lateral casement windows. Following the 18th-century style, Coulomb placed pier glasses between the casement windows and above the fireplace. Trophies of musical instruments are also present above the doors. The large panels covered in crimson damask once housed another significant 18th-century decorative ensemble during the time of the d’Argenson family: tapestries from the Gobelins Manufacture depicting the story of Don Quixote, created between 1732-1736. Presented by the Regent, Philippe d’Orléans, to Count d’Argenson as a token of friendship and gratitude for his dedication, these tapestries were acquired by the Louvre Museum in 1978 and are currently preserved in the Department of Decorative Arts. The framing of the tapestries, the woodwork, and the rocaille-style cornice were executed in 1906 by the sculptor Nelson.