Detailed Guide To Viewing Exhibitions at Army Museum, Paris | Current & Upcoming Shows
Created in 1905, the Musée de l'Armée is a national military museum known for its invaluable collection of objects including weaponry, relief maps, historical figurines, costumes, emblems, artillery models, and artwork. It is one of the largest museums of military art and history in the world boasting a collection of over 500,000 relics and artifacts.
The museum hosts several exhibitions held throughout the year. This page has all you need to know about the different exhibits held at Army Museum.
What is Army Museum?
Located at Les Invalides, the Musée de l'Armée celebrates the rich military history and culture of France. The museum is divided into various sections and departments like the Main Courtyard, World War Rooms, 13th-17th Century Arms and Armor, 17th-19th Century Arms and Armor, Relief Maps Museum, Tomb of Napoleon, Army Collections, Exhibitions and Concerts, and more – all of which boast collections that throw light on the French military history.
The Musée d'Artillerie and Musée Historique de l'Armée merged in 1905 to create the Army Museum, which is now home to over 500,000 objects including weapons, relief maps, figurines, uniforms, artillery, musical instruments, emblems, paintings, artwork, and other relics and artifacts. The collection represented the military history of France from the end of the Middle Ages to the Second World War.
Book Tickets to Army MuseumExhibitions at Army Museum in 2022
Currently, there are three exhibitions showing at the Army Museum. You will find an overview of all the exhibitions in the section below.
1. Photography at War
Dates: Until 24 July, 2022
The exhibition explores the complex relationship between photography and war from the mid-19th century to the present time. Photography emerged as the new medium to document, inform, bear witness to, and represent war. Through more than 60,000 photographs, artworks, and documents, the exhibition explores the underlying intentions behind photography being used as a tool to capture and portray conflict.
2. What a History! The Musée de l’Armée Collections
Dates: Until 18 September, 2022
The exhibition explores the relationship between a nation and its army through 100 years of acquisitions while reminding the public of the special features of the museum and its vast collection of military relics and artifacts. It also highlights the loss of artworks and objects caused due to the museum suffering damages as a result of situations that were beyond its control. It seeks to throw light on the context in which armed conflicts have become a part of daily life and society.
3. Special Forces
Dates: 28 September 2022 to 15 January 2023
Dedicated to the special forces of France, the exhibition celebrates the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Special Operations Command (COS) on 24 June 1992. It focuses on the history of the COS units and how they have evolved since the Second World War. For the first time, the museum will exhibit special techniques, weapons, and equipment that seek to encourage visitors to question the complex relationship between society and war.
How To Book Tickets to the Army Museum Exhibitions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Army Museum Exhibitions
A. There are three exhibitions showing at the museum currently – Photography at War, What a History! The Musée de l’Armée Collections, and Special Forces.
A. Some exhibitions may require you to buy separate tickets. The entry tickets, however, include access to the museum’s permanent collections and the temporary exhibitions.
A. The ‘Photography at War’ exhibition is showing until 24 July 2022.
A. The ‘What a History! The Musée de l’Armée Collections’ is showing at the museum until 18 September 2022.
A. You can view the ‘Special Forces’ exhibition at Temporary Exhibition Rooms in the East Wing on the third floor from 28 September 2022 to 15 January 2023.
A. You will need to reserve your tickets to Army Museum in advance to view the exhibitions there. You can book your Army Museum tickets here.
A. The Army Museum has hosted several exhibitions since it was created in 1905.
A. Some of the prominent exhibitions that have been held at the Army Museum include Picasso and War, One Hundred Years of Army Photography, View from the Front – Representing the Great War, Napoleon No More, Les Invalides in the Great War, Indochina Land and People – 1856-1956, Secret Wars, and Animals & War, to name a few.
A. The Army Museum is known for its vast collection of military objects including weaponry, relief maps, historical figurines, costumes, emblems, artillery models, paintings, musical instruments, armor, artwork, and other relics and artifacts that celebrate the military power of France.
A. Yes. You will have to book tickets to the museum in advance since online booking is mandatory due to the pandemic.
A. While there is no fixed number of exhibitions held annually, the museum does host exhibitions throughout the year.