The Belle Époque under Prefect Lépine? : Free Exhibition at the Police Prefecture Museum

Not all the names of Paris’s police prefects are remembered, but if one has truly left a lasting impression, it’s Louis Lépine. The Police Prefecture Museum of Paris is hosting a special exhibition, available free of charge, until July 6, 2026. Serving as Police Prefect from 1893 to 1897 and again from 1899 to 1913, Lépine made a significant mark on his era through his personality, his career, and his efforts to efficiently police the capital and its surroundings.

• To be read
• This Week's Best Deals in Paris and Île-de-France, March 16–22, 2026
• Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips

Through this exhibit, you'll gain insight into how he was perceived by his fellow citizens, thanks to nearly 150 vintage postcards, showcased here for the first time alongside authentic artifacts. Extensive in number, these postcards played a key role in boosting his popularity by being widely circulated. They serve to stage Louis Lépine, allowing him to craft an advantageous image of himself, his decisions, and his team.

Whether it's managing traffic flow on the streets and in the sky, combating gangs known as "Apaches," preventing floods and fires, or restoring order during events that lead to violence in public spaces and Parisian churches, Lépine presents himself as a proactive police prefect who tackles all challenges head-on, always present on the front lines. However, these postcards don't always paint him in the best light!

Meanwhile, they are used to circulate portrayals seeking to criticize, discredit, and ridicule him. These representations serve as a platform for comments, caricatures, and jokes that target his name, the actions of the Parisian police he oversees, or his tendency to promote a capitalist order that benefits bourgeois interests.

A temporary exhibit centered around a specific theme, also designed to encourage visitors to explore the rest of the museum. Housed in the historic police headquarters of the 5th and 6th districts, this museum charts the history of Parisian law enforcement from the 17th century to today.

While the museum itself is free, since it is located within a police station, visitors are required to be escorted to the museum to ensure safety. Therefore, it’s essential to reserve your time slot in advance.