DK Travel : Paris : Invalides and Eiffel Tower Quarters : Museums & Galleries

17th-Century Murals

In the Ancient Armoury Department, restored 17th-century murals by Joseph Parrocel celebrate Louis XIV’s military conquests.
Ancient Armoury Department

The third-largest collection of armoury in the world is on show in the northeast refectory. Assembled over a 40-year period since the 1960s, these items had been lost since the Revolution.
Artillery

Over 800 canons are gathered together inside and in front of the museum.
History of Charles de Gaulle

This display on the life and times of the former war-time president is in the Cour de la Valeur from summer 2007.
Musée des Plans Reliefs

On the fourth floor of the east wing is a collection of relief models of French towns showing the development of fortifications from the 17th century onwards.
Napoleonic Mementoes

MementoesDuring the period of renovation this temporary exhibition of items belonging to Napoleon is in one of the Dôme’s adjacent chapels.
Napoleon’s Room

This careful reconstruction in the Salle de la Restoration shows the room where the emperor died in 1821. Other Napoleonic items and paintings are on display. Closed for renovation until 2008.
Salle Orientale

This collection of arms and armour reflects the military styles of different nations.
The Banners

The BannersA fine collection of 17th–20th-century banners is displayed in the east wing. Closed until 2008.
The World Wars

Two rooms on the second floor are devoted to World War I and World War II. Documents, uniforms, maps, photographs and other memorabilia bring the conflicts of both wars to life, often to disturbing effect.