The famed Palace of Versailles in France is revolutionizing its visitor experience by integrating artificial intelligence into its historical gardens. In a pioneering move announced late Monday, the palace has partnered with US-based OpenAI and French start-up Ask Mona to introduce interactive, AI-powered talking statues, offering an innovative alternative to traditional audio guides.

This modern technological touch allows curious visitors to delve deeper into Versailles’ rich 17th-century history. By simply scanning a QR code located next to one of approximately 20 garden statues, visitors can initiate interactive conversations available in French, English, or Spanish. This initiative aims to provide a more engaging and personalized exploration of the iconic heritage site.

Christophe Leribault, the museum’s president, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The Palace of Versailles is now testing artificial intelligence, whose tremendous capabilities will greatly enrich the visitor experience." This sentiment was echoed by the partnering AI companies, who view this collaboration as a prime opportunity to showcase their technology in a globally renowned location that welcomes around eight million visitors annually.

Julie Lavet, OpenAI’s head of European partnerships, highlighted the broad appeal of the new system, noting, "Whether you're a heritage expert, a museum curator, or a visitor setting foot in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles for the first time, there's something for everyone." Marion Carre, president of Ask Mona, further emphasized the unique application of AI in this context, remarking, "Often, when we think of artificial intelligence, we think of it in terms of productivity, but here, it's really artificial intelligence that is a lever for curiosity." This partnership underscores a growing trend of leveraging AI to enhance cultural and educational experiences, moving beyond conventional uses to foster deeper engagement and learning.