The National Museum of the Legion of Honour and Orders of Chivalry, housed in the elegant Hôtel de Salm (Palace of the Legion of Honour), sits facing the Musée d’Orsay in central Paris. Founded in 1925 by General Dubail, it offers a fascinating exploration of honor systems—from medieval chivalry to contemporary decorations—for nearly a century.

The museum's layout is organized into five thematic spaces: religious and military chivalric orders, French royal orders, Imperial Legion of Honour, foreign orders (over 400 from about 120 countries), and modern French decorations from the Revolution to the present, including the National Order of Merit. Its rich collection features nearly 5,000 items—insignias, uniforms, arms, art objects, documents—presented with refined modern museography and interactive audiovisual displays.

Highlights include the grand collar of the Legion of Honour worn by Napoleon I, Revolutionary awards such as sabers of merit from 1797, and personal Napoleonic relics—medals, swords, pistols. Portraits of Napoleon as First Consul and other historical figures provide an immersive experience.

The museum appeals to history buffs, phaleristics enthusiasts, art lovers, families, and researchers. It offers guided and self‑guided visits (in French, English, Spanish, Italian), interactive audiovisual exhibits, and a free audio guide. Current programs include the “100 Years of Honour” exhibition (June 25 – November 23, 2025) and educational visits.

Set within a neoclassical palace rebuilt after the 1871 fire, the museum is full of intriguing anecdotes: Thomas Jefferson fell in love with the building in 1782; an 1889 display of decorations inspired its creation; the Presidential collar is donated to the museum upon inauguration.

Practical info: open Wednesday to Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm (Thursday nights until 8 pm), closed Mondays, Tuesdays, January 1, May 1, November 1, December 24 and 25; last admission at 5 :30 pm. Entry is free for all and includes a free audio guide. The museum is accessible to wheelchair users (entrance via 1 rue de Solférino), near Solférino Metro, Musée d’Orsay RER, and buses 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 94. Public parking is nearby.

Compact yet rich, this museum reveals the personal and collective stories behind each decoration: drama, courage, passion, politics, or diplomacy. It’s a visually captivating and scholarly visit—perfect for those exploring a lesser-known but vital chapter of French and global memory.