He is one of the greatest characters of the History of France: Napoléon is given pride of place in an event settling from May 28 to September 19, 2021 at the Grande Halle de La Villette. As admired as controversial, his military defeats and victories, his politics, his cultural heritage have marked the country and even Europe.

This exhibition promises to be the star of this cultural season: it has been created in partnership with the Grand Palais and Re Re / Adonis. Prestigious museums have also partaken in the creation of this major event, including: musée de l’Armée, musée national du château de Fontainebleau, the Louvre, musée national des châteaux de Malmaison et Bois-Préau, Mobilier National, Fondation Napoléon, and the exceptional help from the musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon.

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But then, what is the different with the other exhibitions dedicated to the emperor taking place at the same time in the region? La Villette has created a tour telling you more about Napoleon’s life mixing his career in politics and the army and his private life. Campaigns, travels, life at the court, social evolutions, religion, political fall… Everything is screened to give you a large and detailed picture of this so particular period of time.

This exhibition is filled with gems, food for thought. The Napoleon era is filled with controversies, ambivalences, and contrasting views. Slavery, and ostentatious luxury, authoritarian regime and implementation of new rights: Napoleon’s politics is as fascinating as controversial.

Be ready to be blown away: for its great return after months of closure, La Villette has decided to see things on a big scale. As shown by the commented and monumental animation of the painting “Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress Josephine”.

Paintings, instructive movies, busts, and statues, clothes and accessories, military gear, jewels… 

A few pieces likely to stun visitors, such as the Berline used for Napoleon and Marie-Louise’s wedding parade lent by the Palace of Versailles.

As per usual, La Villette has thought about an immersive staging, reinforced by plays of light, atmospheres thoroughly thought about to match the different themes and spectaculars items highlighted.

Of course, we are looking forward to being able to discover the Napoléon exhibition, an already unmissable outing! Book your tickets now!