To mark the 42nd Journées du Patrimoine, theHôtel des Invalides, home to the Musée de l'Armée, is organizing tours, family events and workshops on September 20 and 21, 2025. A unique experience for the whole family, to learn all about the history of this Parisian cultural and military institution!
Located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the Hôtel des Invalides is an emblematic monument of the capital, whose construction was ordered by Louis XIV. The Sun King wanted to offer French soldiers wounded in battle a place to rest and live. The monument also houses a military necropolis, a cathedral and a museum dedicated to the Army and war.
This unique site boasts a number of cultural and architectural treasures that are a must-see. You can admire the tomb of Napoleon I, a panoramic view of Paris from the lantern, exceptional frescoes painted on the monument's dome...
Today, the Invalides and the Musée des Armées regularlyoffer exhibitions, workshops, concerts, themed tours, games, shows and many other events to showcase the monument and its rich history. Why not discover all this during the Journées du Patrimoine?
Temporary exhibition A history of the Musée de l'Armée in 30 objects
At the Musée de l'Armée from July 1, 2025 - Valenciennes Corridor
To celebrate its 120th anniversary, the Musée de l'Armée is presenting a selection of some thirty objects, each bearing an often little-known story. Organized chronologically, the exhibition offers a history of the Museum through an overview of its successive enrichments.
It pays tribute to those who have defended the nation, or who, through their donations, bequests or patronage, have helped to preserve and pass on this memory.
In the "Guest" window, the sensitive eye of Anne-Lise Broyer, winner of the museum's first photographic residency, echoes the founding motto of General Gustave Léon Niox, the museum's first director: "Tie the present to the past to ensure the future".
Saturday and Sunday, 2 pm to 6 pm
Free admission, without reservation, subject to availability
The Society of Friends of the Musée de l'Armée (SAMA)
In the Salle Turenne, volunteers from the Société des amis du musée de l'Armée present the aims of the society, its history, activities and actions in support of the museum. In the permanent tour of the Two World Wars department, in front of the display case of interwar uniforms, a SAMA member will show visitors his father's 1931 officer's uniform.
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Salle Turenne
Continuous activity without reservation
8th Parisian military history book fair
Future Combat Command (CCF)
This year's 8th edition celebrates the 30th anniversary of the French Army's Erwan Bergot literary prize, with all previous prize-winners invited.
Join them and all the military and civilian authors who think, write and illustrate the battles of yesterday, today and tomorrow. In an uncertain and complex world, thought is the essential and necessary condition for a proper understanding of reality and the transformations of war.
A wide selection of works will be on display at the 42ᵉ edition of the European Heritage Days: biographies, stories, comic strips, essays, novels...
Authors will be happy to talk with the public and sell and sign their works.
Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm - cour du Dôme
Continuous activity without reservation
The French General Directorate for External Security (DGSE)
This year, the DGSE will be presenting a photographic exhibition of its architectural heritage. These photos will take you back in time to our barracks, show you our current premises and project you into our future headquarters at Fort Neuf de Vincennes. Our youngest visitors will be able to draw pictures of the French secret service, letting their imaginations run wild. We'll also be showcasing historic Service objects from our heritage collections. Finally, an Enigma machine will be on display, with a contemporary replica explaining how it worked.
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Salle Turenne, level 0, continuous activity without reservation
Free admission to the museum
The Musée de l'Armée's collections and temporary displays are open to the public free of charge from 10am to 6pm (last admission to the Invalides site at 5:30pm) on September 20 and 21, 2025.
choose a route: [https](https://www.musee-armee.fr/votre-visite/les-espaces-du-musee.html)
interactive map: [https](https://www.musee-armee.fr/plan-interactif/index.html)
free audioguide to discover the Musée des Invalides and the Dôme des Invalides
webapp: [https](https://invalides.webapp.smartapps.fr/)
Encounters and know-how Caring for the collections
Come and meet the teams responsible for restoring the Museum's metal and textile objects, and discover their skills and know-how. In the workshops, which are exceptionally accessible, discover the gestures, techniques and tools used to accomplish their missions.
Saturday and Sunday textile workshop: 11 am, 1.30 pm, 3.30 pm and 5 pm (duration: 45 min.)
Saturday metal workshop: 11 a.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. (duration: 1 hour)
All ages 10 and up - groups of 15
Reservations: reservations@musee-armee.fr (from 03 to 15/09/25) or on site on the day of the event, subject to availability.
Meeting point: Museum reception tent in front of the Invalides north facade
Guided tours Exceptional opening: the salons of the military governor of Paris (online booking now complete)
For the first time, the Military Governor of Paris opens the doors to his private rooms. Come and visit the general's office, the great hall and the salons d'apparat. In groups of 10, you'll be guided through these exceptional spaces. Military staff and citizen reservists will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
In April 1898, the military governor of Paris moved from the Place Vendôme to the Hôtel national des Invalides. The site, which was then a hospital for wounded soldiers and a museum, also became the heart of military power in the capital. Well-known for organizing the famous July 14th military parade, the Military Governor of Paris is first and foremost an operational leader, responsible for coordinating the resources of the armed forces and joint services contributing to civil defense. As such, since January 2015, he has commanded the Sentinel Force deployed in the Paris region. Since October 1, 2024, this position has been held by Lieutenant General Loïc MIZON.
Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
All ages 8 and up (duration: 60 min.) - groups of 10 people
Activity not accessible to strollers and wheelchairs
Reservations: mailto:[reservations](mailto:reservations@musee-armee.fr)reservations@musee-armee.fr (from 03 to 15/09/25) or on site on the day of the event, subject to availability.
Meeting point: Museum reception tent in front of the north facade of the Invalides.
Creative activity Learn to work with leather
As a family, young visitors come to learn leather restoration techniques and practice a few stitches on a piece to take home later.
Saturday and Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm - salle Niox
For 7-12 year-olds - duration: 1h
Groups of 5 children and 5 adults
Reservations: reservations@musee-armee.fr (from 03 to 15/09/25) or on site on the day of the event, subject to availability.
Meeting point: Museum reception tent in front of the Invalides north facade
Guided tours Let yourself be tempted by the collections
Through the collections of the Musée de l'Armée, visitors discover objects from the collections linked to the creation of the Museum. Surprises and exchanges are on the program for these guided tours!
Saturday and Sunday at 11.30am, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm
All ages 7 and up (duration: 45 min.) - groups of 20 people
Meeting point: Museum reception tent in front of the Invalides north facade
Investigation game Where is General Niox?
July 26, 1905... the Musée de l'Armée is about to open its doors to the public. Everything's ready, but General Niox, the museum's first director, has disappeared! Come and take up the challenges set by the ruthless game masters to discover the creation of the museum and find the director. You'll need speed, concentration and curiosity to meet the challenge...
Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 5pm (departures every 30 min.)
All ages 7 and up - duration: 60 min.
Reservations: reservations@musee-armee.fr (from 03 to 15/09/25) or on site on the day.
Meeting point: Museum reception tent in front of the Invalides north facade
Creative activity Draw me a poster... like in 1905!
In 1905, the Musée de l'Armée opened its doors for the very first time... Step back into the Belle Époque and imagine the poster announcing this great event to the public! Colors, materials and illustrations are available for young and old to encourage visitors of the era to enter the new museum. A free, creative activity for the whole family!
Free access, subject to availability
Meet in the museum's Turenne room (Orient wing, level 0)
Saturday and Sunday non-stop from 2pm to 6pm - salle Turenne
Ages 3 and up
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Army Museum
129 Rue de Grenelle
75007 Paris 7
Prices
Free
Official website
www.musee-armee.fr
