Macron nominates Guillaume Cerutti to lead Versailles

French government officials have announced President Emmanuel Macron’s nomination of Guillaume Cerutti as president of the Château de Versailles. Cerutti is due to start on 9 November, with responsibility for a €200 million (about $224.9 million) restoration, safety and security program.

He replaces Christophe Leribault, who left in February 2026 to lead the Louvre. Versailles had spent eight months under interim leadership, Politico said before the appointment was announced.

A restoration and security program

France’s Culture Ministry said in its appointment announcement that the works began in 2024 and are scheduled to continue through 2031, ARTnews said. The ministry said the project aims to strengthen fire safety and protect the palace’s buildings and collections.

Earlier work at Versailles included a 2004–2011 phase that modernized the Royal Opera’s technical installations and created utility networks and an energy center at the Grand Commun. It also included safety work, visitor facilities and architectural restoration. A second phase, scheduled for 2012–2017, included plans to modernize utilities and improve safety and climate control in the palace’s grand apartments. Its heating plans aimed to reduce fire risks and control conservation conditions for collections and decoration.

Experience in public arts and auction houses

Cerutti has been managing director of the Centre Pompidou and chief of staff to France’s culture minister. At auction house Sotheby’s, he led the French operation from 2007 to 2011 before becoming deputy chairman for Europe. He joined Christie’s as a regional president in 2016 and served as its CEO from 2017 until January 2025.

ARTnews reported that Cerutti’s network of wealthy and influential contacts reportedly helped his candidacy, particularly for fundraising.

Former Macron adviser Philippe Bélaval told AFP that Cerutti’s private-sector experience would be an asset at Versailles. France’s 2027 budget cuts the palace’s operating funding by €3 million (about $3.4 million) while granting it €7 million (about $7.9 million) for investment spending.