On the occasion of the 43rd edition of the Heritage Days, the Hôtel des Invalides, which houses the Army Museum, is hosting tours, family-friendly activities, and other workshops on 19 and 20 September 2026. A unique family experience to discover the history of this Parisian cultural and military institution!
Situated in the 7e arrondissement of Paris, the Hôtel des Invalides stands as one of the capital's iconic monuments, a project ordered by Louis XIV. The Sun King sought to provide wounded French soldiers with a place of rest and daily life. This complex also houses a military necropolis, a cathedral, and a museum dedicated to the Army and to 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 Army Museum regularly host exhibitions, workshops, concerts, themed tours, games, performances, and a multitude of other activities that showcase the monument and its rich history. How about discovering all of this during Heritage Days?
Meet the Army Museum’s partners: the General Directorate for External Security (DGSE) and the world of espionage
The DGSE is proud to again participate in this year’s European Heritage Days, held at the Army Museum. The two-day event offers a behind-the-scenes look at its architectural heritage, historical objects from its collections, and direct interaction with a broad, curious audience. A much-anticipated Enigma machine will be on display, with its workings explained through a contemporary replica.
A part of the Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans, the DGSE and its 7,500 personnel are tasked with gathering intelligence worldwide to inform government decisions, detect and counter threats against France, and protect national interests abroad. A service that blends intelligence, clandestine action, and analysis, it covers the full spectrum of information-gathering methods—human, technical, and operational.
Practical information
Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Turenne Hall
Open access without reservation (subject to availability)
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours : Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Grand Salon and the Turenne Room: a tour of spaces normally off-limits to the public
The Grand Salon and the Turenne Room
Two prestigious spaces open their doors exceptionally: the Grand Salon, with its stunning views over the Seine on one side and the Dome on the other, and the Turenne Room, the former refectory from the Louis XIV era. Let a guide illuminate your visit or explore at your own pace using the information panels provided.
Practical information
Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00
Grand Salon (first floor of the Cour d’Honneur) / Turenne Room (ground floor / East Wing)
Continuous access without advance booking (subject to availability)
Participation requirements: Free | No booking required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Meet the partners of the Army Museum The Society of Friends of the Army Museum (SAMA)
The Society of Friends of the Army Museum (SAMA)
In the Turenne Hall, volunteers from the Society of Friends of the Army Museum will outline the society’s aims, its history, activities, its support for the Museum, and its publications. Information will also be provided about the fundraising drive to restore the paintings in the Europe Room.
Finally, in the Museum’s permanent exhibition—World War I and World War II—before the display case of interwar uniforms, an SAMA member will lead a short presentation, wearing his father’s 1931-pattern armored (cavalry) officer’s uniform, who served as a lieutenant with the 511th Tank Regiment stationed in Verdun in 1938.
Practical information
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00–18:00
Turenne Hall and the Department of the Two World Wars
Open access without reservation (subject to available seating)
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
9th French Army Book Fair
9th Army Book Fair
Meet civilian and military authors who think, write, and illustrate the battles of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
In a world that is uncertain and complex, thoughtful analysis is the essential condition for a proper understanding of reality and the evolving nature of war.
This ninth edition aims to meet the expectations of an ever-growing and diverse audience of all ages by offering a wide range of titles: biographies, memoirs, graphic novels, essays, novels…
More than sixty authors will be on hand to chat with visitors and sign their books.
Practical information
Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cour d’honneur des Invalides
Open access without reservation
Conditions for participation: Free of charge
Opening hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Self-guided tour of the Army Museum's collections
Rediscover the Invalides site and its monumental Cour d’Honneur after a stunning renovation: an exceptional reopening you won’t want to miss!
Since 1905 located in the heart of the Hôtel national des Invalides, the Army Museum invites you to two days of exploring the monument’s history and its majestic Cour d’Honneur, now accessible again after a year of extraordinary refurbishment—the first such renovation in over 350 years. Whether on a guided tour or at your own pace, travel through time, explore the collections, and trace the history of a one-of-a-kind monument. Costumed mediators portraying pensionnaires of the Invalides from Louis XIV’s era—the founder of the site—also have a few surprises in store…
For the curious, spaces usually closed to the public—the grand salon and the Turenne Room of the Army Museum, as well as the governor’s private rooms—will exceptionally open their doors.
Museum partners will also be on hand for unique encounters and demonstrations. Finally, military-history enthusiasts won’t want to miss the 9th Army Book Fair and its sixty authors.
Practical information
Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry to the site at 5:30 p.m.)
Free and open access to all Army Museum collections and to the Dome of the Invalides
Some activities are available by reservation only
Participation requirements: Free of charge | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026 – 10:00 to 18:00 | Sunday, 20 September 2026 – 10:00 to 18:00
Guided tour The salons of the Military Governor of Paris
Guided Tour
The Paris military governor's salons
This year again, the Paris military governor opens the doors to his private spaces. Come and visit the general’s office, the grand hall and the official drawing rooms.
In groups of 12 and accompanied by cabinet soldiers and citizen reservists, you’ll enjoy a guided tour to better understand these exceptional places. A unique opportunity to dialogue with those who keep the institution alive on a daily basis.
In April 1898, the Paris military governor left Place Vendôme to settle at the Hôtel national des Invalides. Initially conceived as a hospital for wounded soldiers and a museum, the site soon became the nerve center of the capital’s military power. Best known for organizing the Bastille Day military parade on July 14, the Paris military governor is first and foremost an operational commander. He is responsible for coordinating the armed forces’ capabilities and interservice resources to ensure civil defense. Since January 2015, he also commands the Sentinelle force, deployed in Île-de-France to safeguard citizens.
Practical information
Saturday and Sunday at 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00
Duration: 1 hour / the visit is not accessible to strollers and wheelchairs
Booking required: reservations-jep-gmp@gmail.com (from 3/09 morning to 15/09 noon) or on site on the day, subject to availability
Departure at the welcome tent in front of the Invalides facade 20 minutes before the visit slot
(If you’re late your reservation will be canceled. Any possible rescheduling depends on remaining availability).
Participation requirements: 12 people per tour - Free | Advance booking required - reservations-jep-gmp@gmail.com
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Participatory Workshop: In the Heart of the Invalides
Participatory Workshop In the Heart of the Invalides
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, come discover the riches of the National Hôtel des Invalides: its history, its residents, and its secrets through a family-friendly activity. Guided by a facilitator acting as game master, challenge fellow visitors at the card table. It’s a chance to learn more about the people who lived in the monument over the centuries, from iconic figures like Napoleon to the more unusual! And to keep you entertained between rounds, decorate and take home your coloring page featuring the site’s symbols and emblems, built by the Sun King!
Practical Information
Saturday and Sunday, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Suitable for ages 3+ for coloring / 5+ for the card workshop
Turenne Hall
Open access without reservation (subject to availability)
Participation requirements: ongoing (subject to availability) - Free | No reservation required
Hours : Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Discover the surprising history of the Invalides
Guided Tours
Discover the surprising history of the Invalides
Join a guide and, with the help of a few unique objects, step into 350 years of history to better understand this iconic Paris monument, whose grand forecourt has just undergone a major renovation. Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670, the Hôtel des Invalides stands as a architectural masterpiece built to care for wounded soldiers. This singular site has served as hospital, hospice, convent, and barracks.
Practical information
Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm
Duration: 45 minutes / suitable from age 7
Reservation required: reservations@musee-armee.fr (from the morning of 3/09 to noon on 15/09) or on-site on the day, subject to available seats
Meet at the welcome tent in front of the Invalides facade, 20 minutes before your tour time
(If you’re late, your reservation will be canceled. Any possible rescheduling depends on remaining availability.)
Participation terms: limited to 20 people per tour - Free | Reservation required - reservations@musee-armee.fr
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Army Museum
129 Rue de Grenelle
75007 Paris 7
Prices
Free
Official website
www.musee-armee.fr
