Listed as a site of regional heritage significance, this historic building once served as an imperial asylum!

Just a stone's throw from the Bois de Vincennes, in present-day Val-de-Marne, the Napoléon Building continues to stand at the heart of the Hospitals of Saint-Maurice. Erected during the reign of Napoleon III, it is part of the extensive modernization movement that profoundly transformed the Parisian region in the 19th century. At that time, the government aimed to structure public assistance and improve the dignified management of those suffering from mental illnesses. The Imperial Asylum of Vincennes, of which the Napoléon Building was a key component, emerged with the ambition of becoming a flagship institution.

The building was designed by architect Charles-Auguste Questel, who is also renowned for his restoration of Sainte-Chapelle. Its balanced facades, harmonious alternation of brick and stone, and broad openings that invite in natural light all contribute to its grandiose and period-specific aesthetic.

The design of asylums undergoes a profound transformation. They are no longer seen merely as places of confinement, but as spaces dedicated to healing. The Napoleon building embodies this new philosophy, influenced by the hygienist movement: fresh air, natural light, and a rational layout of the spaces are believed to be beneficial for patients.

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Following the fall of the Empire in 1870, the institution underwent a change of status but continued its mission. Over the decades, what was once the Imperial Asylum evolved into the Hôpitaux de Saint-Maurice, which are now renowned for their specialized services in psychiatry and rehabilitation.

The Napoléon Building has stood the test of time, remaining impressive through various eras, and has been designated as a regionally significant heritage site. Visitors can explore this historic site through special guided tours, as well as during cultural events like the Heritage Days. Please note that a form of identification is required for entry.

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