La Nuit des Musées is a magical evening when museums, monuments and cultural institutes open their doors to us free of charge, to let us discover their collections and their fascinating stories. It's an exceptional night to enjoy to the full, without necessarily needing to go far from home!
The Château de Rueil Malmaison and its neighboring estate, the Parc de Bois Préau, plunge us into the Napoleonic era, revealing a page of French history. Located in Rueil-Malmaison, a few kilometers west of Paris, these historic sites bear witness to the life and times of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. The château, now a museum, and its adjacent park are a must-see cultural destination for those looking to explore French heritage and history off the beaten track.
Acquired by Joséphine de Beauharnais in 1799, the Château de Rueil Malmaison was the scene of crucial moments in Napoleon Bonaparte's private and political life. After his marriage to Joséphine, Napoleon spent a great deal of time there, making it a nerve center of political power at the time. The château, with its luxuriously decorated salons, art collections and period furniture, reflects Josephine's refined taste and interest in the arts and botany. The château's gardens, restored according to historical descriptions, also illustrate the empress's passion for botany, bringing together an impressive collection of rare plants and flowers from the period.
A short distance from the château, the Bois Préau estate stretches out like a green bower, offering a natural and historic complement to the Malmaison estate. This park, once owned by Josephine, is home to a museum dedicated to the history of Napoleon and the Empire. Permanent and temporary exhibitions retrace Napoleon's military campaigns, daily life under the Empire, and the influence of this period on France and Europe. The park itself, with its shady avenues, green spaces and peaceful atmosphere, invites visitors to stroll and reflect on history.
A visit to the Château de Rueil Malmaison and the Bois Préau park is a rich cultural experience, offering a unique insight into the lives of Napoleon and Josephine. This site, a national museum since 1946, plunges us into the intimacy of a couple who left their mark on French history. As we explore the grounds, we discover not only the story of these historic figures, but also a key period that shaped contemporary Europe.
For the 20th edition of the European Museum Night, the Château de Malmaison welcomes you for a timeless evening to discover this magnificent monument.
A nocturnal visit to a renovated château, now that's a good idea? For this year's Nuit des Musées, let's meet at the Château de Malmaison!
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Dates and Opening Time
On May 18th, 2024
Location
Château de Malmaison National Museum
Château de Malmaison
92500 Rueil Malmaison
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
musees-nationaux-malmaison.fr
