Napoleon's tomb lies beneath the gilded Dôme des Invalides, and it is the reason many people come to the Army Museum, known on signs as the Musée de l'Armée. The emperor's remains were brought back to Paris in 1840 and rest in a massive red stone sarcophagus in an open crypt. The church also holds the tombs of other military figures, including Marshal Foch.
The museum occupies the Hôtel des Invalides, which Louis XIV founded for wounded and aged soldiers and which still cares for veterans. It was created in 1905 from the merger of an artillery museum and a historical army museum. Its arms and armour collection, from medieval plate to elaborate royal suits, is among the largest anywhere. Other galleries follow French military history through the age of Louis XIV, the Napoleonic period and the two world wars, with a section devoted to Charles de Gaulle.
More than one and a half million people visit each year. Seeing both the tomb and the main collections can easily take half a day.
No audio tours yet
Visited Musée de l'Armée? Make the first audio tour: AI helps with the stops, scripts and narration.
We’re still gathering details for Musée de l'Armée. Share what you know and help thousands of visitors discover it.
Create an indoor map
Map the galleries so guests can navigate halls, floors, and hidden gems with confidence.
Already contributing? Log in to keep building. Once you’re signed in you can also upload exhibit photos, add tours, and expand visitor tips.
Invite friends and fellow travelers to discover Musée de l'Armée.
Discover other museums close to Musée de l'Armée. Plan a multi-museum visit or explore the area.
Wikipedia