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Army Museum Paris Tickets

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Army Museum Paris | Where French military history comes alive 

Paris's Army Museum (Musée de l'Armée) is one of the three largest arms museums in the world and home to one of the biggest military history and art collections on the planet. With over 500,000 objects on display, this museum is a treasure trove for anyone interested in military history.

The Army Museum Paris is located inside the majestic complex of Les Invalides and access to it is included in the main entry ticket. Access to the Army Museum is included in all ​Les Invalides tickets.

Why visit the Army Museum Paris? 

  • History enthusiasts and anybody seeking a distinctive educational experience should not miss the Paris Army Museum, which features interactive displays, informative guides, and fascinating artifacts.
  • Every room in the Army Museum is devoted to a different period of French and European military history, making it a site full of memory and history. 
  • Over 500,000 objects from the Bronze Age to the present day are part of the museum's collection. The museum has a wide range of displays, such as armor, weaponry, uniforms, paintings, sculptures, and souvenirs.
  • The Army Museum often hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase various facets of military history, weapons, and uniforms in addition to its permanent holdings. 
  • Learn about the technological innovations, such as modern fighter jets and ancient siege engines, that have made the Paris Army a formidable force. 
  • The collection shows the evolution of military equipment from the 13th to the 17th century but don’t miss out on spotting Napoleon Bonaparte’s personal belongings.
  • The Army Museum was created in 1905 with the merger of the Artillery Museum and the Army History Museum.

Army Museum in a nut shell

Army Museum Paris

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:

  • The museum houses one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s bicorne hats, tilted sideways to make him instantly recognizable on the battlefield.
  • The museum’s Courtyard of Cannons displays one of the world’s oldest and most extensive artillery collections, with pieces dating back to the 17th century.

What to see inside the Army Museum?

Paris Army Museum exterior with cannons and French flags

The Gallery of Battles

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:

  • Large-scale paintings depicting battles like Austerlitz, Waterloo, and Verdun.
  • Portraits and accompanying artifacts that commemorate military leaders and key historical moments.
Metal armour suits as exhibited at Army Museum, Paris

The Department of Weapons and Armor

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:

  • Full-body armor that was designed for jousting and warfare.
  • Some standout pieces include armor made for ceremonial purposes, decorated horse armor, and the armor of royalty and noblemen.
Hounskull Bascinet - Paris Army Museum

The Royal Room

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:

  • The Royal Room contains some of the most spectacular pieces of armor ever crafted for French royalty including the armor of King Louis XIV.
  • The Royal Room is rich with ceremonial armor designed for tournaments and state events, not just battle.
Paris Army Museum exterior with cannons and historical architecture.

The Medieval Room

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:

  • The room contains an impressive collection of medieval armor, including full suits of plate armor worn by knights during the 12th to 15th centuries.
  • The Medieval Room contains a wide range of medieval weapons, including swords, spears, axes, crossbows, and maces.
Paris Army Museum

Hall of the Great War (WWI)

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 Hall of the Great War houses an extensive collection of weapons used during World War, including but not limited to Rifles, machine guns, and bayonets.
  • One of the most powerful parts of the exhibition is its representation of trench warfare, which dominated much of the fighting on the Western Front.
World War II artifacts display in Army Museum Paris Hall.

World War II Hall

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 exhibition includes photographs, posters, and propaganda materials that depict the chaos and shock of the German Blitzkrieg.
  • The Resistance movement is a key focus of the exhibition. It showcases the bravery of those who fought against Nazi occupation in France, often at great personal risk.
Hall of Military Innovation exhibits at Army Museum Paris with historical artifacts.

Hall of Military Innovation

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:

  • Key displays showcase how weapons evolved from muskets and rifles in the 19th century to the advanced firearms, artillery, and missile systems of the 21st century.
  • The museum displays examples of early tanks like the Renault FT, which was one of the first fully rotational turret tanks used during WWI, as well as later models like World War II-era tanks and modern armored vehicles.
Army Museum Paris Underground Command Center with historical military artifacts displayed.

Underground Command Center

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 Underground Command Center was originally part of the French military headquarters during the early part of World War II and the German occupation of Paris (1940-1944).
  • During the Nazi occupation, the underground center was used by key figures in the French Resistance to direct covert operations and share intelligence with the Allies.

The Army Museum and the role it plays

Couple exploring Invalides Napoleon's Tomb

Historical significance

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).

Invalides Courtyard

Cultural signifiance

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.

Frequently asked questions about the Army Museum

Do I get access to the Army Museum with any type of ticket?

With a ticket to the complex of Les Invalides, you will get access to the Army Museum as well.

Can I explore the Army Museum without visiting other parts of Les Invalides?

Choose the part of Les Invalides you wish to visit and create your own itinerary.

Is the museum just about the military?

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.

How much time do I need to cover the Army Museum?

You can take up to 2 to 3 hours to see the entire Army Museum.

What are the timings of the 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.

Are there any "hidden treasures" in the museum?

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!

Are there activities or exhibits geared toward kids at the Army Museum?

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.

I have only an hour, which galleries do I start with?

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.

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