Napoleon, the exhibition

As much admired as controversial, Napoleon Bonaparte is a complex character whose life oscillates between heroism and tragedy, victory and defeat, modern advances and regressive measures. For the bicentenary of his death, La Villette, La Rmn - Grand Palais and RERE/ Adonis organize a spectacular exhibition, giving a fair and uncompromising portrait of a fascinating character who has shaped today's France.
Napoleon - Exhibition catalogue
Exhibition Catalogues

Napoleon - Exhibition catalogue

EC107557
  • € 25
Written in French.

Napoleon's destiny was exceptional, starting from a modest house in Corsica and leading his armies to the four corners of Europe before ending up in exile on Saint Helena.

This catalog, accompanying the spectacular exhibition held at La Villette in 2021, intends to go beyond the simple biographical approach: through the eyes of the historian and the curator, it seeks to contextualize the Napoleonic "legend", to dissect it and evoke all its political, military, economic and artistic aspects. With the help of a varied iconography and contributions from the greatest Napoleon specialists, this book retraces the destiny of one of the richest myths of universal history.

Exhibition at the Grande Halle de la Villette, from April 14th 2021 to September 19th 2021.

Written in French.
272 pages / 200 illustrations

Rmn - Grand Palais Publishing
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Masterpieces created during the Empire, exceptional objects that belonged to Napoleon and contemporary creations follow each other throughout a chronological and educational journey for this exhibition. Vast reconstructions and numerous digital devices offer visitors a true immersion in the heart of these decisive moments for the history of France. A section of the exhibition, designed with the Foundation for the Memory of Slavery, is dedicated to the subjects of Napoleon’s colonial policy and the restoration of slavery.

Napoleon, a legendary character

"150 original pieces from the greatest museums, gathered for the first time to tell the fascinating destiny of a man and an era that founded today's France."

From April 14th to September 19th
An exhibition related to Napoléon's story and the History of France
From its ascent to the decline of the imperial adventure, the exhibition retraces in nine sections this pivotal period, from key moments in the history of France to the intimate and romantic life of the emperor. The exceptional collaboration of the Louvre Museum, the Versailles, Fontainebleau and Malmaison Castles, the Musée de l'Armée, the Mobilier National and the Fondation Napoléon has brought together more than 150 original pieces, gathered here for the first time.
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Playmobil Collector Napoleon

For this unique exhibition on Napoleon Bonaparte, PLAYMOBIL lends the features of its legendary figurine to this key figure in French history.
Freely inspired by the painting "Battle of Austerlitz" by François Pascal Simon Gérard (1770-1837), the figurine represents the Emperor mounted on his faithful horse, Vizier

PLAYMOBIL NAPOLEON CHEVAL PLAYMOBIL NAPO SUR SON CHEVAL
Toys

Playmobil Napoleon on his horse

CJ300058
  • € 8.95
Playmobil collector edited on the occasion of the exhibition of the Villette for the bicentenary of the death of the emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Freely inspired by the painting "Battle of Austerlitz, December 2, 1805" by François Pascal Simon Gerard (1770-1837), Napoleon - PLAYMOBIL figurine, represents the Emperor in uniform with his bicorn and his saber, mounted on his faithful horse, Vizier.
© GrandPalaisRmn ('Palace of Versailles') / image GrandPalaisRmn

This collector's item is exclusive to Rmn-Grand-Palais and PLAYMOBIL®.

Contains 10 pieces.

Warning: Risk of suffocation. Presence of small elements.
Not suitable for children under 3 years old.
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Many original selections and partnerships


For this exceptional exhibition, the RMNGP has worked to commemorate the bicentenary of Napoleon's death and to create a selection in his honor. Books, decoration and many other selections have been composed to please you. Also, original creations have been designed around the famous bicorn of Napoleon, his portraits or his famous frock coat. Of course, children have also their own original creations and selections, Napoleon and Napoleonette are drawn on many gifts designed for them.

About Napoleon's portraits

This selection was edited for the exhibition "Napoleon", commemorating the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon and presents different portraits of France's First Emperor.

Original creations inspired by Napoleon's famous bicorn

This selection honors, especially for the bicentenary of Napoleon's death, the famous bicorn of Napoleon I, exhibited in the museum of Malmaison castle.

"Ceci n'est pas..."

This selection is inspired by Napoleon's iconic bicorn and René Magritte's famous sentance : "Ceci n'est pas...".

Gifts for children

In order to develop everyone's curiosity, a collection has been created for children, playful and colorful.

Books to learn more

Many books have been selected for you to learn more about "Bonapartism", Napoleon's tastes, his history and that of France.

A Napoleonic library

To have an imperial home, discover the bookends inspired by Napoleon's history. In coronation costume or on his horse, France's First Emperor will decorate your library.

A table inspired by History

An elegant selection is proposed around the table echoing the crests and heraldic figures of the New Empire. These were officially chosen during the coronation ceremony of Napoleon.

A selection of chalcographies

These unique works were produced in the RMNGP's Ateliers d'art. Each modern print is made from a copy of the original Louvre Chalcography plate.



Imperial jewelry

Some jewelry with an elegant and minimalist design have been selected for you. Some of them have a decorative motif with laurel leaves, others echo the Napoleon bee, symbol of his coat of arms.