Colleen Ritzau Leth in charge of the UK Circle of the Société des Amis de Versailles

On June 14, 2025, the General Assembly elected Ms. Colleen Ritzau Leth as a Trustee, with the mission of expanding activities in the United Kingdom through a newly created ‘UK Circle’ for Versailles.

Colleen, who resides in London, is deeply involved in the museum world. She has worked with several international museums, from the Cairo Museum to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as the Royal Academy of Arts in London and the National Gallery of Denmark. Her specializations include the history of collecting, cultural diplomacy in the MENAWA region, and museum development, with a particular focus on strategy and masterplanning. Colleen is currently completing her PhD at the Courtauld, where she is studying the management of Versailles in the late 20th century.

In addition to her work in the museum field, Colleen is a co-owner and governor of Tauck, a private international travel company celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. Tauck is active in France and manages several programs across the country. She leads the CORA Foundation, an organization that invests in capacity building and international dialogue in the cultural sector. For the last four years, Colleen has served on the Board of Directors of the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum, and Gardens of Versailles.

Initial activities have been organized for our British Friends, including visits to the Marie-Antoinette Style exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, a private visit to the Wallace Collection, and a fall trip to Waddesdon Manor More activities are planned for the future; please register your interest to learn more.

The United Kingdom maintains a rich and fascinating heritage of cultural exchange with France. In addition to several eminent specialists in French art and architectural history working in its museums, universities, and royal residences, the United Kingdom is home to many French history enthusiasts who find places to indulge their passion for 18th-century French art.

Finally, the United Kingdom is an ideal location to develop engagement with the Gardens of Versailles; the UK is home to hundreds of exceptional heritage gardens, both public and private, and London hosts numerous activities each year focused on landscaping, horticulture, biodiversity, and natural heritage.

There is no doubt that Colleen will find many Friends eager to come together in support of the Palace of Versailles and, hopefully, advance its activities through advocacy, patronage, professional networking, and dynamic events.

Our British Circle, as it has been named, already has around 20 members. We hope to grow over the coming year and look forward to your support.

We thank Colleen for her commitment to Versailles, and will support her in this endeavor.

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