Entertainment · Books & Arts · 1 hr ago
Guillaume Cerutti appointed to lead the Château de Versailles
Guillaume Cerutti will lead the Château de Versailles, after French President Emmanuel Macron appointed him to the role.
The 60-year-old French arts executive is due to start on November 9, replacing Christophe Leribault, who left in February to head the Louvre.
Cerutti recently led the Pinault Collection, but left after about a year; he has also held senior roles at Christie’s, Sotheby’s and the Centre Pompidou.
Versailles is a major historic site that welcomed about 8.4 million visitors last year and employs around 1,000 people.
He will oversee a €200 million upgrade to restore the palace and improve fire safety and security, with work running from 2024 to 2031.
The project is especially important as France has seen high-profile museum thefts, including the 2025 burglary at the Louvre.
Cerutti’s experience in the private sector may also help Versailles raise funds as its 2027 operating budget faces a €3 million cut.
French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Guillaume Cerutti to lead the Château de Versailles.
Cerutti is due to start on November 9, replacing Christophe Leribault, who left in February to lead the Louvre.
The appointment follows eight months in which the Versailles presidency was vacant or held on an interim basis.
Cerutti, 60, previously led Christie’s and the Pinault Collection, and held senior roles at Sotheby’s and the Centre Pompidou.
He will oversee a restoration and security project at Versailles that began in 2024 and is scheduled to continue through 2031.
- Who
- Guillaume Cerutti, former president of the Pinault Collection and former CEO of Christie’s.
- What
- He has been appointed president of the Château de Versailles.
- When
- Announced on November 4, 2026; he is due to start on November 9.
- Where
- The Château de Versailles in France.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cerutti became president of the Pinault Collection.
Le Monde reported that Cerutti was removed from his position at the Pinault Collection.
Politico reported that Cerutti was expected to lead Versailles, pending approval at a cabinet meeting.
The appointment was announced by government officials.
Cerutti is due to start as president of Versailles.
- Age
- 60
- Start date
- November 9, 2026
- Predecessor
- Christophe Leribault
- Restoration and security project
- €200 million; began in 2024 and runs through 2031
- Visitors
- About 8.4 million at Versailles last year
4 sources
Guillaume Cerutti to Lead the Château de Versailles After Short Stint at Pinault Collection
Macron appoints Guillaume Cerutti to head the Château de Versailles
Centre Pompidou, Sotheby’s, Stade Rennais… Qui est Guillaume Cerutti, le nouveau président du château de Versailles ?
Guillaume Cerutti choisi pour présider le château de Versaille
What people are saying
His experience in the private sector will be an asset at Versailles. We need to break down barriers: there isn’t one noble sector and another that isn’t.
After decades of working alongside him, I know that Guillaume has all the experience and qualities required to lead Versailles.
These works, aimed at strengthening fire safety and the security of the buildings and collections, represent the largest construction project the public institution has seen since its creation.