Welcome to the official travel guide for the Musée de l’Armée – Paris! Located in the heart of the city, this museum is one of the most visited landmarks in Paris and considered to be the world’s largest military history museum. Here you will find an abundance of artifacts, artworks, and archival documents that can tell the story of French military history from the early Medieval period to the present day. In this guide, we will provide you with interesting facts, information, and travel tips for the Musée de l’Armée – Paris to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Ready to explore revolutionary history? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
1. The museum is home to the grave monument of Napoleon Bonaparte.
2. The collection spans over 5,000 years of military history, from Ancient Egypt to the 20th century.
3. The museum has over 500,000 items in its collection, from paintings, uniforms and weapons to medals, photographs and documents.
4. It houses a replica of the Statue of Liberty, made by the same artist who made the original.
5. It has a special hall dedicated to World War I with hundreds of objects related to the war.
6. The museum has the second-largest collection of Napoleonic memorabilia in the world.
7. It houses an extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance arms and armor.
8. The French army’s ceremonial uniform is also on display.
9. The museum has a popular gift shop that specializes in items related to the French military.
10. The museum also offers an interactive educational program about the history of the French armed forces.
The Musée de l’Armée (the Army Museum) is a military museum in the Hôtel national des Invalides in Paris, France. It is the second-largest French military museum after the Musée des Plans-Reliefs in Paris.
The museum was founded by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1798 to commemorate the victories of the French army. More than 1,500 objects from the medieval era to the early 20th century are on display. The museum also showcases battle reconstructions, uniforms, weapons, insignia, medals, and more.
The museum’s main exhibit is the tomb of Napoléon, which is located under the dome of the church of Invalides. Other permanent exhibits include those on the history of France’s armed forces, militaria from the 19th and 20th century, and the architecture of the building itself. It also offers educational programs and resources, such as lectures, tours, and activities for students.
The Musée de l’Armée is open to the public with free admission. It is one of the most visited museums in Paris, attracting over 800,000 visitors each year.
1. How to Get There: The Musée de l’Armée is located in Paris, France. It is easy to get there by public transportation. The closest metro stops are Invalides or Varenne. It is also accessible by bus (lines 24, 63, 69, 82, 87, 88, 89, 92, 93, and 94). For further information, please visit the museum’s website.
2. Opening Hours: The Musée de l’Armée is open from 10am to 6pm from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays and public holidays).
3. Admissions: Admission is free for visitors under 18 and people with disabilities. Other visitors pay a standard fee of €9.
4. Highlights to See: Visitors can explore the vast collections of weapons, military uniforms, and artifacts from World War I and II. Other attractions include the Napoleon III apartments, an exhibit of flags and banners from all over the world, and the crypt of Napoleon’s tomb.
5. Best Time to Visit: The museum is generally busy in the summer months, so it’s best to plan your visit in advance. The museum also has extended opening hours in the summer months, so it’s a great time to explore the extensive collections.
6. Tips for Visiting: To make the most out of your visit, sign up for one of the guided tours or workshops that are offered. Additionally, the museum has a café and a gift shop so you can relax and buy souvenirs after exploring the collections.
Q: What can I expect to see at the Musée de l’Armée in Paris?
A: The Musée de l’Armée is home to one of the greatest collections in the world of military artifacts. It showcases the history and evolution of the profession of arms, from the Middle Ages to the present day. On display are weapons, uniforms, paintings, photographs, equipment, and other objects, as well as a vast array of documents, including letters and photographs that provide an insight into the stories of soldiers.
Q: How much does admission to the Musée de l’Armée cost?
A: Tickets to the permanent exhibitions at the Musée de l’Armée are €10 for adults, €5 for those aged between 18 and 25, and free for people under 18 years of age. Additionally, you can visit the permanent exhibitions for free if you are a teacher, disabled, a job seeker, or on certain holidays.
Q: Are there any special exhibits at the Musée de l’Armée?
A: Yes, the Musée de l’Armée hosts a variety of special exhibits throughout the year. These exhibits cover topics such as wars and battles, uniforms, and military life. They typically last several months, and there may be an admission fee to view these special temporary shows.
Q: How long does it take to explore the Musée de l’Armée?
A: Depending on the individual, it typically takes 2-4 hours to explore the permanent exhibitions of the Musée de l’Armée. It takes even more time if you wish to visit the special exhibits, as they may take up to two additional hours. Additionally, the museum offers a variety of short tours and guided visits that can help visitors get the most from their time in the museum.