Located in the majestic Hôtel des Invalides since 1905, the Army Museum is far more than a military museum—it presents a sweeping overview of France’s martial past. Formed by merging the Artillery Museum and the Historical Army Museum, it houses over 500,000 items across wings surrounding the Cour d’Honneur.

From the cannon-filled courtyard, visitors progress to medieval and oriental armour collections—ranked among the world’s most significant. Among the quirky “cabinet insolite,” you’ll find scale models, rare musical instruments, and charming military figurines

The modern department (1643–1870) traces France’s military evolution from Louis XIV to Napoleon III, displaying uniforms, art, and artillery. The Charles de Gaulle historical section is a multimedia space with engaging archival media.

The highlight is undoubtedly the Dôme des Invalides, housing Napoleon’s tomb in porphyry and green granite, designed by Visconti. This reverent site also contains the remains of Vauban, Turenne, Napoleon II, Foch, and Lyautey. It’s an emotionally powerful encounter with France’s imperial legacy.

Temporary exhibits add depth—from Revolution artifacts to WWI and WWII memorabilia. Look out for unique pieces like conscript canes and Egyptian campaign hats.

The atmosphere blends historical depth, multimedia immersion, and heritage pride. It attracts families, history enthusiasts, students, and general visitors, especially adults aged 25–60. Audio guides are available in multiple languages.

Practical info: open daily 10 AM–6 PM (ticket office closes at 5:30 PM); monthly evening openings until 10 PM (first Fridays, €10). Comfortable shoes recommended due to extensive marble halls. Facilities include PMR access, luggage lockers, two boutiques, and a café lounge.

Trivia: Many items were evacuated during the 1870 siege and recovered post-WWII, despite Nazi looting. Notable displays include a WWI-era armoured taxi from the Marne and intricate mortar models.

Overall, the Army Museum offers a grand-scale immersion into military history, blending heritage, technology, emotion, and collective memory—an unmissable Parisian experience.