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The Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée) - Paris
- by Sam Wozniak
Located at the heart of the Hôtel National des Invalides, the Army Museum is one of the world's largest and most prestigious military history museums. Founded in 1905 through the merger of the Artillery Museum and the Army History Museum (established in 1896 by the company La Sabretache under painter Édouard Detaille), the museum houses vast and unique collections.
Collections and Highlights
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3rd largest collection of old weapons and armour globally.
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Unique small artillery models.
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Exceptional 19th-century collections focused on Napoleon I and his marshals.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Set within the historic Hôtel National des Invalides, a military monument, the museum spans centuries of military art and history, making it unique among global institutions.
The Seven Main Spaces
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The Main Courtyard & Artillery Collections – Featuring historical artillery.
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The Old Department (13th–17th century) – Medieval and Renaissance arms and armour.
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The Modern Department (1643–1870) – Covers the era from Louis XIV to Napoleon III.
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The Dôme des Invalides – Houses Napoleon I’s tomb.
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The Contemporary Department (1871–1945) – Focuses on the World Wars.
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The Charles de Gaulle Monument – Dedicated to the leader of Free France during WWII.
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The Cathedral of Saint-Louis des Invalides – A military church within the complex.
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