Robert Badinter, justice at heart: the moving and historic exhibition at the Panthéon

To mark Robert Badinter 's entry into the Panthéon on October 9, 2025, an exhibition will be on display in the monument's crypt from October 11, 2025 to March 8, 2026, retracing the life of a man with an exceptional destiny, who did so much for French justice. For two days, October 11 and 12, the place of memory will be open free of charge to the general public, enabling them to pay their respects.

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"Robert Badinter, la justice au cœur" sheds light on the genesis of a commitment marked by anti-Semitism during the Second World War, his family heritage, his fight to abolish the death penalty and his other major battles as a politician, through a rich selection of documents, photographs, audiovisual extracts, personal objects and emblematic works, mostly from the collection of this extraordinary man.

The tour is divided into three sections, each dedicated to a key figure who inspired Robert Badinter: Émile Zola, for his childhood, family and first steps in the law; Victor Hugo, for his fight against the death penalty; and Condorcet, for his role as an enlightened politician and reformer. Thanks to video extracts and quotations, visitors can (re)discover the breadth of thecharacter's humanity, despite the fact that his life was shattered at such a young age.

Located in the crypt, the exhibition's scenography makes marvelous use of the building's vaults, creating a touching, emotionally-charged atmosphere, with colorful lighting and an effective sound system, far from an insensitive space beneath the stone. As we move through the three galleries and Robert Badinter's many battles, we can appreciate the importance of his legacy, while regretting the echo we find in current events, demonstrating that the fight is never over.

It's a real tribute, one that can easily touch visitors, accentuated by the solemnity of the place where his memory now rests. Don't forget to book your time to visit the exhibition, as the aisles are not very wide!