In the heart of Paris, the Musée de l'Armée houses one of the world's largest collections of military art and history, and offers a unique insight into the history of France.
At Les Invalides, visitors can discover both Louis XIV and Napoleon 1st: the former is the founder of the museum, while the latter remains in his tomb. A complete immersion in French history through the discovery of the personal effects of great figures such as François I, Louis XIV, Napoleon I and Charles de Gaulle.
The richness and diversity of the collections (500,000 works) cover a period from the Bronze Age to the 21st century: uniforms, arms and armour, cannons, vehicles, drawings, paintings, photographs, sculptures, archives and objects.
Interactive displays help visitors understand the conflicts that have shaped history, from the Napoleonic campaigns to the two World Wars, including the Charles de Gaulle historial.
From London to Sydney, via New York, Brazzaville, Buenos Aires, Cuba and Algiers, visitors will discover the varied backgrounds and courageous commitments of numerous personalities. Among them are René Cassin, Germaine Krull, André Masson, Wifredo Lam, Maria-Elena Vieira da Silva, Henry Valensi, Fernand Léger, Jean Hélion, Anna Marly, Micheline Rosenberg, Georges Duthuit, Jean Gabin and many others.
The exhibition highlights the persistence of freedom of action and creation, embodied by the spirit of the Enlightenment, in the rallied territories. A “certain French spirit”, also defended by foreign artists supporting these values, such as the American sculptor and painter Alexander Calder.
The Musée de l'Armée offers a wide range of events, including exhibitions, concerts, shows, guided tours and activities for young visitors.
A major historical and cultural site, the Musée de l'Armée is undergoing a transformation, with work to improve the way it welcomes visitors and four new areas between now and 2030.
What is inlcuded :
Priority access to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of the Musée de l'Armée
Priority access to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of the Musée de l'Armée
Access to the Historial Charles de Gaulle
Access to the tomb of Napoleon I (Eglise du Dôme)
Access to the Museum of Relief Maps and the Museum of the Order of the Liberation
Crédits photos © Musée de l'Armée
© Paris, musée de l’Armée/Emilie Cambier
©Paris, musée de l’Armée/Anne-Sylvaine Marre-Noël
©Paris, musée de l’Armée/Pascal Segrette
© Paris - Musée de l’Armée, Dist. RMN Grand Palais / Émilie Cambie
Discover the Invalides as you've never seen them before through immersive tours and experiences
Access to the Musée de l'Armée is free, upon presentation of proof, for: all young people under 18 years of age, residents of the European Union aged 18 to 25 years inclusive (permanent collections only), job seekers, people with disabilities and their companion, ... (complete list available on the museum's website and directly on site).
All visits require a free ticket, which can only be collected from the museum ticket office.
NEW AREA
From July 2024, the Musée de l'Armée will be opening a brand-new area dedicated to the history of Les Invalides, as part of the Minerve project to revamp its cultural offering.
Rare works will be on display, such as the remarkable 17th-century model of the Hôtel national des Invalides, accompanied by a tactile device for interactive exploration.
Visitors will have the opportunity to wander through the renovated Vauban room, where they will discover a collection of major works that have been restored. An immersive room will take them back in time, immersing them in the history of Les Invalides through an immersive visual experience.
In addition, new reception and ticketing points will enhance the visitor experience.
Open every day from 10am to 6pm.
Nocturne:
The 1st Friday of each month from 6pm to 10pm (ticket offices close at 9pm).
Access to all areas of the museum: Dôme des Invalides, permanent collections and exhibitions
Closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
