Lafayette, bridging France and America: free exhibit on the Marquis at the National Archives

To mark the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the United States of America, the National Archives are hosting a free exhibition dedicated to Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. Through rare documents, discover how this young French aristocrat became a symbolic figure, celebrated or criticized at times, forging an unbreakable bond between France and the fledgling American democracy, from April 1 to July 14, 2026.

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The exhibition explores the extraordinary life of Lafayette, from his passionate involvement in the American War of Independence to his political struggles back in France. Considered "the hero of two worlds" in America, he remains a beloved figure in the national history there, while in France, his influence on the revolutions of 1789 and 1830 makes him a more controversial figure. These contrasting sides of his character are examined throughout the exhibition’s journey.

A passionate champion of liberty and equality, and inspired by Enlightenment ideals, he quickly gained notoriety in political circles. He distinguished himself in the American War of Independence (1777-1781), played a significant role during the early stages of the French Revolution (1789-1792), contributed to the fall of Napoleon I (1815), and supported the rise of the July Monarchy (1830). Yet, his reputation was not spared from media campaigns launched by his opponents, who used caricatures and anonymous engravings to challenge him.

Like any famous figure, he leaves behind a public legacy—the subject of numerous artworks, whether drawn, painted, or sculpted. His image and reputation were also discussed extensively in the writings of his contemporaries, such as Mirabeau, Napoleon, Germaine de Staël, Chateaubriand, and Lamartine. Additionally, he left behind personal writings that were published posthumously. Today, he is almost treated like a modern-day celebrity, with a certain "Lafayette-mania" taking hold, along with a wide array of merchandise and souvenirs, both in favor of and against him: objects bearing his portrait, poems, plays, medals, and even household items...

An intriguing journey behind the scenes of history, offering a compelling look at how one man came to embody such a powerful symbol over the centuries.