MUSÉE DE L’ARMÉE – MUSEUM OF THE ARMY

Within the compound of the Les Invalides Hotel in Paris, France, there is a museum which is called Musée de l’Armée (or in English, Museum of the Army). The structure was originally built as a hospital and also a home for disabled soldiers by Louis XIV. However, at present, it displays the Tomb of Napoleon as well as the museum of the Army of France. The collections which can be found at the museum include those from the time of antiquity all the way up to the 20th century. It also has the le Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération (the Museum of the Liberation Orde) and le Musée des Plans-Relief (English: the Museum of Relief Maps).

History: Musée de l’Armée – Museum of the Army

It was after the French Revolution when the Artillery Museum was made. The artifacts were then brought in and stored there in the Les Invalides by the year 1852. The whole collection continued to see improvement as it collected items from other major Paris museums such as the Louvre, the National Library, the Vincennes along with the private collections of wealthy Frenchmen. It was in the year 1871 when the Artillery Museum was installed officially at the museum.

By the year 1896, the Sabretache Society introduced the Museum of the Historic Army. Its piles of material that were on display such as antique arms and armor were known to be the third most important such collection in the whole world during that period of time. The museum also included the only collection of little artillery models throughout the world, including some unique pieces which had been gathered from the army of Napoleon.

In 1905, the museum was built by combining the Museum of the Historic Army with the Artillery Museum.

In the modern day, items that can be seen when visiting the Museum of the Army include collections of antique arms and armor, arms from the reign of Louis XIV, weapons from the 19th century, along with a full artillery department. There are also flags, emblems, paintings, , sketches, historical figurines, sculptures and pictures displayed in the museum. The museum also looks back at the military history of France starting from Louis XIV to Napoleon III, in the years 1650-1851. An overview is provided regarding the French mounted troops of 1803 until 1939.

In Nov. 16, 1940, General Charles de Gaulle introduced le Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération or The Museum of the Liberation Order. It was built to honor the people who fought exceptionally during the World War to regain the independence of France.

The Order of the Liberation is identified as the second national Order in France. The first one was the Legion of Honor. The ground area of the museum is more than 1,000 square meters with six halls, three galleries, more than 150 showcases, plus 3,700 documents and artifacts exhibited.

The museum’s Hall of Honor was made for General Charles de Gaulle. The place displayed his 78 decorations, his last worn military uniform, and even the original text of his broadcast on the radio as he appealed to the French People during his exile on June 18, 1940.

The happenings in the military during the Thirty Years War and the time of Louis XVI have been studied by the museum. Moreover, weapons and tools utilized by the armies, specially the royal guards are also put on display. Not only that, the evolution of the standardization of uniforms beginning the 17th century is also presented. There are 20 rooms that feature the years of the First empire, from 1789 to 1815. Given emphasis are the campaigns that happened in Italy and Egypt which were key points in molding the future of Napoleon. The explorer’s personal items like his hat and coat can also be seen at the museum.

Besides those mentioned above, the happenings in the city under the African Army during the July Monarchy is also recalled. The years of the Crimean War, the Second Empire, China and Mexico expeditions, also the Franco-Prussian War was also explored. By the year June 2000, some rooms honoring the World War II were revealed to the public.

Opening Hours

• Closed on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.
• The late-night session gives access to all areas: the Dôme des Invalides, permanent collections, and any temporary exhibition.
• The Hôtel National des Invalides is open to visitors every day during the museum’s opening hours.

Getting There

The museum is at the Hôtel National des Invalides, 129 rue de Grenelle, in the 7th arrondissement. Two entrances: the main one facing the Esplanade des Invalides (129 rue de Grenelle), and a second at 2 place Vauban on the Dôme side. On first-Friday late evenings, only the rue de Grenelle entrance is open.

By metro and RER

Three stations are within a few minutes on foot:

• La Tour Maubourg (line 8), on Avenue de la Motte-Piquet
• Invalides (line 8 and RER C), on Rue de l’Université
• Varenne (line 13), on Boulevard des Invalides

Metro is the easiest option from most of central Paris. Varenne on line 13 puts you directly on Boulevard des Invalides.

By bus

Lines 28, 63, 69, 82, 83, 92, and 93 all stop within a short walk of Les Invalides.

By bike

Four Vélib’ stations are nearby: 3 rue de Constantine, 9 boulevard des Invalides, 13 rue Surcouf, and 1 avenue de la Motte-Piquet.

By car

Paid parking at 23 rue de Constantine.

Map & Address (Location)

Musee de L’Armee

129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France · Google Maps