Musee de l'Armee Hotel National des Invalides
Paris, France
12/27/2012
France's Musee de l'Armee is the largest
military museum in the world. One might think of a military museum as a
place for "gun nuts" to go but it is more than just a weapons or military
museum. The history found in this unusual museum and the items themselves
cater to almost all everyone. We spent an entire day at this museum simply
because there was so much to see.
The complex consists of the "veterans
hospital"
Louis XIV founded in 1674. This area was known as the Hotel des Invalides and included a chapel with two entrances. One entrance for the King and one
for veterans. Today the entire area includes the Eglise du Dome (Napoleon's
Tomb) and a series of buildings which house art works and other objects from
the time of Louis the XIV (1643) to 1990. The sections containing ancient
armor from the 13th to the 17th century are incredible and the sections devoted
to World War I and II are very detailed, not only in their collection of
weapons but day to day items soldiers of all sides used, fought with and
wore.
We were
fortunate that an exhibit, entitled "Avec Armes et Bagages,"
with arms and baggage was open. This special show contains a host of items
, mostly practical, that have been used by French soldiers for decoration,
fighting and even first aid. The main item in the exhibit is the printed
handekchief,
or mouchoir, that was used for propaganda, instructional aides
and decorations. Many of the hankerchiefs are made of silk by Hermes and
their detail is incredible.
For me the artillery pieces and early
matchlocks, flintlocks and percussion weapons were of interest. As you look
at some of the muskets and pistols you will see how ornated they were made.
Using ivory, gold, silver and exotic woods, many of these weapons are more
works of art than weapons. Finally, the art found in museum documents how
things were before the invention of the camera. If you are a history or art
lover we recommend you visit the museum.
As Joan said, "seeing the uniforms and
all the accessories there was like going to a fashion show."
