Natacha Coquery examines how private residences in 18th‑century Paris were transformed into symbols of state authority. Drawing on architectural plans, municipal records, and contemporary commentary, the study traces the evolution of elite homes into public buildings, revealing the ways architecture served governmental aims and reflected shifting notions of power. By situating these transformations within the broader social and political context of pre‑Revolutionary France, the book illuminates the interplay between urban space, elite patronage, and state formation. Readers gain insight into the material culture of the period and the lasting impact of these architectural interventions on the city’s landscape.