The Last Coronation: an immersive behind-the-scenes exhibition at Mobilier national

Dive behind the scenes of France's last royal coronation, that of Charles X in 1825, with Mobilier National's immersive, historical exhibition, on view from April 11 to July 20, 2025.

In 2025, the Mobilier National is commemorating the bicentenary of the last French coronation in 1825, that of King Charles X, in an impressive immersive exhibition running from April 11 to July 20, 2025. For the occasion, the Garde Meuble is bringing out magnificently preserved historic pieces used for the coronation of Charles X on May 29, 1825.

The exhibition Le Dernier sacre (The Last Coronation) unveils some of the most valuable objects, furniture, clothes and accessories to have left their mark on French history. From Louis XVIII's funeral hangings to his successor's coronation cloak, from the royal carriage to the coronation tableware and paintings, the exhibition takes us to the heart of this little-known event. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations and highlights of this event, through historic pieces and a wealth of decorative arts!

Following the death of Louis XVIII, the coronation of his successor had to be organized quickly, in just eight months, with the aim of rivaling that of George IV in terms of pomp, despite more limited financial resources. Charles X wanted a coronation worthy of his greatest predecessors, to put an end to the republican ideas that had shaken France.

Until his accession, Charles X held the title of Count of Artois, alongside his wife Marie-Thérése de Savoie. After the storming of the Bastille, the Revolution and the First Empire, Charles X, who had emigrated like all the nobility, dreamed of a return to the Ancien Régime. Following his brother's death without issue in 1824, he took the throne and revived the tradition of the coronation at Reims on May 29, 1825, the last of the Bourbon line to reign.

For this special coronation, the whole country goes into overdrive: making clothes, crockery, a four-meter-high carriage, embroidery and finely decorated garments... This royal event is an opportunity for the country's artists and craftsmen to demonstrate their skills.

Directed by Stéphane Bern and staged by Jacques Garcia, this exhibition reveals the secrets of the entire organization: from the meticulous protocols to the harnessing of the horses, from the magnificence of the decorations to the details implemented by the craftsmen of the time, from the carriage to the costumes, not forgetting the official orders, the diplomatic gifts and the products derived from the coronation.

The Mobilier National has divided this exhibition into several chapters, with very distinct rooms and different atmospheres. After the mourning of the former king comes the exaltation of a new reign, and the preparations for the long-awaited day of Charles X's coronation. Videos show the work of those who contributed to the exhibition, with reconstructions of the carriage and Reims Cathedral, decorated for the coronation.

The impressive scenography, richness and grandeur of these historic pieces make this exhibition a must-see of the season. It's a fascinating moment in history, when you can see up close the big and small elements that played a part in this event. We advise you to visit the exhibition during off-peak hours, if possible, to fully enjoy this timeless moment.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.