Owned by the Grand Chancellery, the Hôtel de Salm is a fine building perched along the banks of the Seine, near the National Assembly and the Musée d'Orsay. For these Heritage Days 2026, on 19 and 20 September, discover this Palace of the Grand Chancellery as well as its Musée de la Légion d'Honneur.
While theHôtel de Salm is still used by the Grand Chancellor for receptions and the distribution of the Crosses of the Legion of Honor, the establishment is also open to the public through the Musée de la Légion d'Honneur. On display are official texts and period documents, as well as sketches of the insignia, photographs and films of ceremonies which retrace the history of theOrder of Merit .
It explains the reasons for the creation of this Order, officially created on December 3, 1963 by General de Gaulle, but initiated by General Catroux, with the aim of"rewarding distinguished merit" who had not devoted the twenty years of service to France required for the Légion d'Honneur, or foreign merit.
Renovated at the beginning of 2016, the museum has been given a facelift with new works, a new museum scenography and a digital touch with interactive screens, to give a more playful and educational side to the visit. At the end of the tour, you'll also discover the plaster statue of General de Gaulle, donated in 2013 by sculptor Cardot to the museum after the Order's fiftieth anniversary exhibition. It's the perfect way to discover and enter a little more deeply into the exclusive world of the Legion of Honor.
Visit to the Palace of the Legion of Honour
The Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honour opens its doors for European Heritage Days, on September 19 and 20, with a program celebrating more than two centuries of its existence.
The visit will include a tour of the Palace of the Legion of Honour, an 18th‑century townhouse redecorated in the 1870s to elevate France’s greatest figures and the nation’s highest award. Home to the Order of the Legion of Honour and the official residence of the Grand Chancellor, the building is normally closed to the public.
The tour continues in the institution’s museum, where visitors can explore the permanent collections. They will also be able to view the exhibition From Courage to Honor – Treasures of the Symbolism of the Service historique de la Défense, which explores the link between a soldier’s bravery and the decorations.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 1:00 PM ⤏ 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 11:00 AM ⤏ 6:00 PM
Contemporary art sculpture unveiled at the Palais de la Légion d'honneur
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, visitors can freely explore the palace and the Musée de la Légion d'honneur and discover the monumental sculpture Vertical Disorder by Bernar Venet.
Born out of a partnership with the Art Explora Foundation, this installation underscores the openness and modernization policy of the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honor. The institution thereby opens the doors of the order's headquarters to an internationally renowned artist, decorated with the Legion of Honor, to allow everyone to admire and be inspired by this work and its creator.
Following the artist's wishes and the Art Explora Foundation's mission to make art accessible to the broadest audience, the piece is presented so that it can be viewed not only in the courtyard of the Legion of Honor palace but also from the public space, through the surrounding railings.
Interpreters will be on site throughout the weekend to introduce the artist, his creative approach, and to accompany all visitors freely in discovering the work.
An initiative made possible thanks to the support of the Art Explora Foundation
Participation terms: Following the visit to the Palace of the Legion of Honor, admission is continuous, self-guided and free — Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Museum of the Legion of Honor
2 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur
75007 Paris 7
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Official website
www.legiondhonneur.fr
