Inclusions
Inclusions
Invalides Amry Museum
Seine River Cruise
Inclusions
5% off
Inclusions
Army Museum & Invalides
Rodin Museum
Army Museum & Invalides
Rodin Museum
5% off
Inclusions
Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum
Normandy D-Day Beaches Full-Day Trip
Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum
Normandy D-Day beaches Full-Day Trip
Inclusions
The Army Museum is one of the world’s largest military museums, located in the historic Les Invalides. It offers an unparalleled journey through France’s military history, spanning medieval battles to modern warfare.
Highlights: Napoleon’s artifacts, including personal items that shaped his legendary image.
What makes It unique?
Compared to other military museums, the Army Museum’s setting in Les Invalides, originally built by Louis XIV to honor war veterans, and the breadth of its collection makes it a truly standout attraction.
Fun facts:
This grand 120-meter-long gallery is one of the museum's most iconic spaces, dedicated to France’s major military triumphs and challenges throughout history.
Highlights:
Enter one of the Army Museum's most popular areas and admire an amazing collection of armor, swords, shields, and other defensive and attack items.
Highlights:
This room is dedicated to showcasing royal and ceremonial armor from France’s past, with a particular emphasis on the armor and regalia of French kings and nobility.
Highlights:
This room showcases the evolution of armor, weaponry, and battle tactics during the medieval period, covering key conflicts such as the Hundred Years' War and the Crusades.
Highlights:
This room focuses on the First World War (1914-1918), exploring its historical, military, and human dimensions through an impressive collection of artifacts, weapons, and multimedia displays.
Highlights:
The World War II Hall exhibition presents the war's global impact with a particular focus on France's involvement, its experiences during the occupation, the Resistance movement, and the eventual liberation.
Highlights:
The Hall of Military Innovation (Salle de l'Innovation Militaire) focuses on the technological advancements and military innovations that have shaped modern warfare, particularly from the 19th century to the present day.
Highlights:
It is a part of the museum's offerings that allows visitors to explore a key piece of military history related to World War II and the German occupation of Paris.
Highlights:
The Army Museum at Les Invalides in Paris is not only one of the most important military museums in the world, but it is also a place of profound historical and cultural significance. It serves as both a repository of France’s military heritage and a symbol of its national identity, offering insight into the evolution of warfare, the personal sacrifices made during conflicts, and the rich history of the French military.
The Army Museum plays an essential role in the construction and perpetuation of French national identity, especially the country's enduring respect for its military traditions. Throughout French history, the military has been a major unifying force, representing ideals of patriotism, honor, and sacrifice.
The museum’s vast collection of military artifacts, including weapons, armor, tanks, and airplanes, also reflects the technological evolution of warfare. It chronicles the advancements in military technology, from the medieval period (with armor and weaponry) to the industrial era (with artillery, tanks, and airplanes), and the modern era (with nuclear weapons and cyber warfare).
While the museum’s displays are undoubtedly focused on military achievements and strategies, there is also a strong emphasis on the human cost of war. The Hall of the Great War (WWI) and the World War II Hall are particularly poignant in depicting the loss of life, the trauma of soldiers, and the resilience of civilians.
While the museum is primarily dedicated to France's military history, it also places France within a larger global context. The museum’s collection of foreign military artifacts, such as the American and British military collections, reflects the interconnectedness of global conflicts.
As a national institution, the Musée de l'Armée serves as a vital educational tool for both French citizens and international visitors. It provides access to the history of warfare, military strategy, and the impact of conflict on the world through immersive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and guided tours.
With a ticket to the complex of Les Invalides, you will get access to the Army Museum as well.
Choose the part of Les Invalides you wish to visit and create your own itinerary.
Not exactly. While it’s primarily focused on military history, the museum also delves into art, culture, and the evolution of warfare. It’s a mix of history, storytelling, and some jaw-dropping artifacts.
You can take up to 2 to 3 hours to see the entire Army Museum.
The Army Museum is open every day from 10am to 6pm. There is a late opening on the 1st Friday of every month from 6pm to 10pm.
Definitely! One of the coolest hidden gems is Napoleon's private sword, which is displayed in a specially curated case. There's also a historic tank on display from WWI. Keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating pieces!
The Army Museum offers interactive displays and educational workshops for children. There are also family-friendly guides and multimedia exhibits that make the history more engaging for younger visitors.
If you only have an hour, start with the Napoleon Hall (for its iconic connection to French history) and the Hall of the Great War (WWI) for a powerful, immersive experience.