FRANCE’S HISTORIC MONUMENTS ❘ HÔTEL DE LA MARINE


HÔTEL DE LA MARINE IN PARIS


MONUMENT IN FOCUS


In this regular series, we take a look around France’s many beautiful historical buildings under the care of the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. This time it’s the turn of the Hôtel de la Marine in Paris


Situated in the heart of Paris, the Hôtel de la Marine is testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. With its opulent façade illuminating Place de la Concorde and fascinating exhibits, this iconic landmark is a must-see. Originally built as one of two palaces to be placed at either end of the Place Louis XV (now Place de la Concorde), the grandiose building held the royal furniture as soon as the works on the square were done in 1765. For the next 25 years, it also housed the steward in charge, who oversaw the furniture in all royal dwellings, from Versailles to Fontainebleau. The institution – la Garde-Meuble Royal – was in charge of


the choice, purchase and maintenance of the king’s furniture, ranging from the bed to the chairs. It was also in charge of the conservation of the royal collections of arms and armour, fabrics and hangings, vases of hard stones, bronzes and fi nally the Crown diamonds, as well as cooking utensils and linens!


During the Revolution, the building was seen as a symbol of the royal family’s opulence. The story goes that on July 13, 1789, the revolutionaries plundered the armoury and, the next day, opened fi re on the Bastille using silver-adorned canons gifted to Louis XIV by the king of Siam. After the Crown jewels were stolen in 1792 and the rest of the artefacts were


MEDIEVAL TREASURES FROM THE VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM Within the prestigious Al-Thani Collection, the Hôtel de la Marine is hosting an exhibition on medieval art. Running until October 22, ‘Medieval Treasures from the Victoria & Albert Museum: When the English spoke French’ illustrates the complex and interdependent relationship between England and continental Europe throughout the Middle Ages through a collection of sculptures, enamelled glass, ivories, stained glass, textiles, ceramics, illuminated manuscripts, goldsmithery and jewellery. Showcasing extraordinary works made in England, France, Italy and beyond, this is the


fi rst time some of these objects have appeared in France. Among the most notable works from the Victoria & Albert Museum are the Gloucester Candlestick, the Becket Casket, the Clare Chasuble and a goblet, known as The Luck of Edenhall.


114 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Oct/Nov 2023


The Salon des Amiraux, with its gilded ceiling, intricate woodwork and magnifi cent chandeliers


burned or sold off at auctions, the fate of the building was sealed. The Navy had begun moving in as early as 1789, when Louis XVI decided to move the entire court back to Paris, and gradually took over the entire building, which was appropriately renamed Hôtel de la Marine, not leaving until 2015. Under the care of the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, it underwent extensive renovations to restore it to its former glory and reopen as a museum. Visitors can enjoy an immersive tour, ending with the ceremonial salons and a unique view of Paris from the loggia. Kids’ activities are also available. FT  Open daily 10.30am-7pm (9.30pm Fridays); closed January 1, May 1 and December 25; entry €13. hotel-de-la-marine.paris


IMAGES © CENTRE DES MONUMENTS NATIONAUX


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