Valle della Loira, 10 luglio 2026 – Oggi crepe, instabilità delle fondamenta e deterioramento del tetto sono solo alcuni dei segnali allarmanti. Si stima che siano necessari 37 milioni di euro per restaurare quest’ala reale, dodici dei quali per urgenti interventi di messa in sicurezza. Data la portata di questa sfida, l’impegno dello Stato francese (in qualità di proprietario), dei mecenati privati e del Domaine national de Chambord diviene imperativo. Al fine di consentire a tutti gli appassionati di apportare il proprio contributo, Chambord ha lanciato una campagna di raccolta su scala globale di raccolta di fondi: «Salva l’Ala di Francesco I: diventa un Angelo Custode di Chambord»
MODELLO CHAMBORD
In quanto ente pubblico industriale e commerciale della République Française, il Domaine national de Chambord è un esempio di diversificazione delle risorse, poiché grazie alle attività svolte nel 2025 ha raggiunto un tasso di autofinanziamento, successo raramente eguagliato da altri enti pubblici d’Oltralpe. Si tratta di un modello economico che pone Chambord nelle condizioni di coprire le spese operative, inclusi gli stipendi del personale, con un sostegno pubblico statale minimo. La prima fase, dell’ammontare di dodici milioni di euro, viene finanziata da un contributo una tantum del Ministero della Cultura di Parigi, integrato da un importo equivalente proveniente dai fondi propri dell’ente. Per finanziare la parte restante, Chambord si rivolge a mecenati e grandi donatori al fine di ottenere il loro sostegno. Allo stesso tempo, l’appello viene rivolto anche al pubblico mediante una campagna di raccolta fondi partecipativa, che è stata avviata il 19 settembre dello scorso anno in occasione delle Giornate europee del patrimonio, che verterono sul tema del patrimonio architettonico.
OPERATION «RESCUE» OF THE FRANÇOIS I WING: A GLOBAL APPEAL FOR DONATIONS
French Renaissance Castle Chambord, Domaine national de Chambord, France: for five centuries, Chambord has stood as one of the crown jewels of world heritage. Today, however, the monument faces a serious threat: the François I Wing, entirely closed to the public, is becoming increasingly fragile —primarily due to climate change. Cracks, foundation instability, and roof deterioration are just some of the alarming signs. An estimated €37 million is required to restore this royal Wing, including €12 million for urgent safety measures. Given the scale of this challenge, the commitment of the French State as owner, private patrons, and the Domaine national de Chambord is imperative. To enable all enthusiasts to play their part, Chambord has launched a global fundraising campaign on September 19th, 2025: “Save the François I Wing — Become a Guardian Angel of Chambord.” As a public industrial and commercial institution, Chambord is a pioneer in diversifying its resources, achieving a self-financing rate of 105% in 2025 — a level rarely matched by other French public entities. This economic model enables Chambord to cover its operating expenses, including staff salaries, with minimal state support.
THE FIRST PHASE
The first phase, costing €12 million, is funded by a one-time grant from the Ministry of Culture, supplemented by an equal amount drawn from the institution’s own funds. To finance the remainder, Chambord is seeking support from patrons and major donors. At the same time, Chambord is appealing to the public through a participatory fundraising campaign launched on September 19th, 2025, during the European Heritage Days, under the theme “Architectural Heritage. The French public (whose growing numbers make Chambord the most visited castle in France after Versailles) has demonstrated a deep attachment to this Renaissance masterpiece. Chambord is counting on that bond to help safeguard this unique heritage. The remaining phases (€15 million and €10 million) require the mobilization of significant resources through a development plan that consolidates revenue and a large-scale sponsorship strategy, both in France and internationally, targeting individuals and businesses. «Today, we raise a solemn warning to show what is at stake at Chambord goes far beyond its walls. It is about preserving the integrity of a monument listed among France’s first Historic Monuments and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Helping us restore this Wing means saving a fragment of the world’s beauty and refusing to let our heritage vanish», Pierre Dubreuil, CEO of the Domaine national de Chambord
CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBORD
Built between 1539 and 1545 on the most waterlogged part of the estate, the François I Wing of the Château de Chambord (home to the king’s private apartments and council chamber) is facing an alarming state of deterioration. Though this issue has been known and documented for over twenty years, its progression has significantly accelerated in recent years. The first visible signs of structural damage emerged in the early 2000s. Since 2023, nearly the entire wing has been closed to the public for safety reasons. Over the summer, new cracks appeared in the adjoining Robert de Parme Tower, indicating that the stress is now affecting the broader structure. \ Studies carried out since 2022 confirm that the deterioration stems from various phases of construction and has been worsened by recent climate-related events. Repeated flooding and prolonged droughts have caused instability in certain floors and structural weakening across the wing. This situation underscores the deep interdependence between the castle and its surrounding natural environment. Preserving the ecosystem — particularly the natural water system of forest ponds, streams, and wetlands — is now vital to safeguarding Chambord’s architectural heritage.
THE FRANÇOIS I WING
«Floors, foundations, roofing — restoring the François I Wing means undertaking a comprehensive overhaul. This project marks the beginning of a wider plan for development and renewal. Conservation, visitor experience, enhancement of natural spaces — the François I Wing sets the stage for a major transformation. It is our responsibility to preserve and pass on this legacy», Pierre Dubreuil, CEO of the Domaine national de Chambord. Under the supervision of Maël de Quelen, Chief Architect for Historic Monuments, this ambitious restoration project is set to begin in 2026, starting with essential safety and emergency works. At the same time, a full restoration of the François I Wing will be launched. Key phases of the project will include structural consolidation of the masonry, restoration of Renaissance sculptures, and reconstruction of the timber roof using traditional period techniques. A third phase will focus on reimagining the museum layout and scenography. By 2032, the François I Wing will once again be open to the public through a redesigned visitor circuit. The new exhibition will shed light on the life and reign of King François I, who commissioned the castle, and on the key figures of the Renaissance. The space will also serve as a platform for dialogue and exploration of the “New Renaissances», the major cultural, environmental, and societal challenges of the 21st century.
PHASE TWO
A new auditorium will be built to host a wide range of events — conferences, symposia, and concerts — welcoming thinkers, scientists, artists, and economic stakeholders. The restored Wing will become a space for reflection and exchange, exploring the relationship between humanity and nature, and fostering a renewed sense of humanism. This transformative initiative is part of Chambord’s Master Plan for Restoration and Development, currently in preparation. The plan will guide and prioritize work across the estate over the next decade, including: the castle itself, Marshal Saxe’s stables, the surrounding grounds and the vast forest estate. Structural consolidation essential to preserving the integrity of the castle: regeneration of foundations, treatment of cracks, chaining of beams, reinforcement of partition walls and floors. Phase 2, complete restoration: €15 million; restoration of the facades, roofing, sculptures, and potentially accessibility improvements for people with reduced mobility. Phase 3, museography and scenography: €10 million; museographic circuit covering the highlights of François I’s reign, knight king, humanist king, prince of the Renaissance, patron of the arts and letters, father of hunters.
MAËL DE QUÉLEN
Maël de Quélen, new Chief Architect for Historic Monuments at Chambord: on March 19th, 2025, the French Ministry of Culture appointed Maël de Quélen as Chief Architect for Historic Monuments for the Château de Chambord. A renowned specialist in the restoration of French heritage, Maël de Quélen has overseen major conservation projects, including work at the Palais du Luxembourg and the Medici Fountain in Paris. Her in-depth knowledge of the Loir-et-Cher region is a key asset for Chambord, where she now takes over from François Chatillon and Philippe Villeneuve — respectively appointed to lead the restoration of the Louvre and Notre-Dame de Paris. Her appointment marks a new chapter in the conservation of one of France’s most iconic landmarks, as Chambord embarks on an ambitious restoration and transformation plan for the coming decade.
ABOUT CHAMBORD
Chambord has been inspiring admiration and fascination throughout the world for over 500 years. Listed as one of France’s first historic monuments in 1840 and a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1981, it is one of the most stunning Renaissance buildings and the largest walled park in Europe, covering 5,440 hectares. The second most visited castle in France, Chambord welcomes over a million visitors a year. Owned by the French state since 1930, Chambord is a public industrial and commercial establishment under the supervision of the ministries responsible for culture, agriculture, and the environment, and under the high protection of the President of the Republic. The establishment was incorporated into the Grand Parc de Rambouillet by decree of the Council of State on June 1, 2018. The Board of Directors is chaired by Philippe Donnet. Since January 2023, the public institution has been headed by Pierre Dubreuil.
INFO
Chambord: Operation “Rescue” of the François I Wing
Domaine national de Chambord
41250 Chambord
Accessible from Paris via the A10 highway or Austerlitz train station
Opening hours :
March 20 to 27: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
March 28 to June 21: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Full price €31 (€21 for EEA nationals/residents)/
Reduced price €28.50 (€18.50 for EEA nationals/residents, with valid documentation)
Free admission for visitors under 18 years old and EU citizens under 26.
