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

On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence, the National Archives are dedicating a exhibition free to Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette. Through rare documents, discover how this young French aristocrat became a symbolic figure, sometimes admired or controversial, weaving an enduring link between France and the newborn 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.

As with any famous figure, he leaves behind a public trace, the subject of numerous artworks—drawings, paintings and sculptures—and is assessed in the writings of his contemporaries such as Mirabeau, Napoleon, Germaine de Staël, Chateaubriand and Lamartine, while he himself left behind personal writings published after his death.

Today Lafayette has something of a celebrity aura, with a clear "Lafayette-mania" and plenty of Lafayette memorabilia and souvenirs, for or against him: objects bearing his portrait, poems, plays, medals, even tableware…

One can applaud the vivid, meticulously crafted scenography, consistently polished for the National Archives’ major exhibitions, and it’s all free! With nearly five rooms, the space is roomy enough, so you won’t risk brushing shoulders with other visitors.

If you’re visiting with young kids, they may grow restless amid the wall of letters and engravings, even though some memorabilia has a strikingly unusual flair. That said, grown-ups curious about history and politics will welcome the chance to learn more about a figure whose treatment varies so dramatically from country to country.