The Royal House of the Beasts of Versailles, known in French as Ménagerie royale de Versailles, represented one of the first and most ambitious projects of Louis XIV in the splendorous surroundings of the palace. Even before the creation of the majestic Grand Canal, the monarch commissioned the architect Louis Le Vau to build this marvel in 1663, highlighting its octagonal design crowned by an imposing slate dome. Although unfortunately it does not survive today, some vestiges such as aerial views, a sentry box and an adjacent building near the Lantern Pavilion still suggest its past grandeur.

In its heyday, the Beast House housed an astonishing array of exotic creatures, from ostriches and rhinoceroses to pelicans and elephants, making it a focal point for the awe and delight of the court and illustrious visitors from all over Europe. Designed as a ceremonial place, the ménagerie offered an experience of splendor and wonder, where nobles, artists, scientists and the curious marveled at the diversity of the world's fauna.

The acquisition of these exotic species was not only a gesture of royal luxury, but also a demonstration of political power. Under the instructions of Louis XIV, his prime minister Colbert oversaw the procurement of rare and curious animals from all corners of the world, including through purchases made by the French East India Company. However, transporting these living creatures was often difficult and risky, with a high mortality rate during sea voyages.

The Beast House also became a center of interest for the intellectual and artistic elite of the time, attracting surgeons, zoologists, painters and other scholars who wished to study and depict these fascinating creatures. In addition, the ménagerie served not only as a showcase for exotic fauna, but also as a recreational residence for important court figures, such as Marie Adelaide of Savoy, who transformed the place into a space for her personal amusements and clandestine amorous encounters.

However, as time went by, the attention and maintenance of the House of the Beasts diminished, and during the Regency and the reign of Louis XV, interest in the place faded. Finally, with the advent of the French Revolution, most of the animals were slaughtered or sold, and the ménagerie fell into ruins. The few survivors were transferred to the Museum of Natural History, marking the sad end of this remarkable collection of creatures.

Despite its demise, the legacy of the Royal Menagerie endures as a landmark in the history of modern zoos, setting a precedent for the display and classification of animal species that would be imitated throughout Europe.