Hôtel des Invalides' building is a magnificent illustration of classical French architecture. It was created by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the principal architect of Louis XIV, and its highlight is the magnificent gold dome that is visible from all across Paris. The main structure consists of multiple wings and courtyards, but the most remarkable aspect is the dome, an incredible achievement of engineering and architecture. The complex has many noteworthy spaces, such as the Army Museum, which has a sizable collection of armor and weapons, and the tombs of various notable Frenchmen, including Napoleon Bonaparte. The most Instagrammable spot is undoubtedly the courtyard with the golden dome in the background, but the view from the top of the dome is also breathtaking.
Museums inside the Les Invalides complex
The Army Museum
The Army Museum stands as France's largest military history museum, housing more than 500,000 rare weapons, relics, and more. This collection shows the evolution of military equipment from the 13th to the 17th century and contains some noteworthy archeological finds, including the personal belongings of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Dôme des Invalides
With its gilded lantern stretching up to 107 meters, the originally built church can be seen from almost all over Paris. It inspired the Capitol Building in the United States. Napoleon had ordered the conversion of the royal chapel into a resting place for France’s military heroes. The Dôme des Invalides is also home to Napoleon I's tomb.
Museum of Relief Maps
Discover a unique collection of historical scale models charting over two centuries of military history. The Museum showcases 28 examples of a collection of relief maps of fortified towns, made between 1668 and 1875. These impressive models were used as strategic planning tools and symbols of mastery of the territory.
Museum of the Order of Liberation
The Museum of the Order of the Liberation tells the story of the Companions of the Liberation, including Free France, the Interior Resistance, and the deportation.
St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral houses the graves of the governors of the Invalides, and also many Marshals of France and commanding officers' graves. Mass is still often celebrated, especially on the anniversary of Napoleon's death and on the anniversary of the Invalides Mansion foundation.
Main Courtyard
A significant portion of the artillery and monumental sculpture collections are on display in the main courtyard, which serves as the hub of the Hôtel National des Invalides complex and hosts several events.
Armor and Weapons | 13th to 17th Century
This collection shows the evolution of military equipment from the 13th to the 17th century and contains some noteworthy archeological finds. It illustrates the role that armor and weaponry had throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, in the lives of aristocratic communities, royal courts, and even individual cities
Louis XIV –Napoleon |17th – 19th Century
The diversity and quantity of the collections housed in this department are unmatched in the world. Items belonging to notable personalities like Napoleon Bonaparte and his marshals coexist with simple soldier uniforms and luxury pieces, equipment from numerous French and foreign regiments, weapons, harnesses, and more.
World War | 20th Century
This department is devoted to the two World Wars and tells the story of the French Army from 1871 to 1945 and that of the two great conflicts of the 20th century. Admire the French and foreign uniforms, personal objects of soldiers, ceremonial swords, postcards, paintings, and other items from the archives that depict life during the 20th century's greatest conflicts.
Extraordinary Cabinets
Explore three unique cabinets displaying a collection of artillery models from the 16th to the 19th centuries, musical instruments belonging to the military, and a fascinating collection of military figurines including 5,000 toy soldiers exhibited out of a collection of 140,000 of them.
The Charles De Gaulle Monument
Immerse yourself in an interactive space honoring the work and journey of Charles de Gaulle, the founding President of the Fifth Republic. The space pays homage to a key figure in French history, featuring a multi-screen room, multimedia exhibits, and a circular glass ring displaying archived footage, photographs, and narratives of wars.
