Visit the Musée de l’Armée aux Invalides in Paris: tickets, prices, schedules

Who has never seen the fabulous golden dome of the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris on the horizon? Do you know that the site houses the Army Museum? Come find out!

Located in the heart of Paris, on the left bank in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the Museum has found refuge in the Invalides, one of the most beautiful monuments in the capital. Therefore, visiting the Army Museum is a great opportunity to combine aesthetics with culture, classical architecture with history.

With more 500 000 pieces and 8 000 m2 , the Army Museum presents a collection of envied military history from all over the world.

Convinced? So don’t wait! We provide you with all the necessary information so that your visit is a success!

History of the Army Museum in Invalides

Visiting the Army Museum in the Invalides assumes to have some elements on its history. The construction of the Invalides hotel, which now houses the Museum, began in 1670 on the Order Louis XIV .

The objective was to accommodate the disabled soldiers, previously housed in abbeys. The site also becomes a necropolis and a pantheon. It houses the heart of Vauban and the Tour d’Auvergne, the remains of Turenne , the tomb of Napoleon I , the graves of his brothers and sons, as well as those of famous generals and marshals.

The Invalides Army Museum was created in 1905 , by the fusion of the Artillery Museum and the Army Historical Museum. Renovated several times in the 1990s, it was the subject of major renovations in the early 2000s.

What to see and do at the Army Museum in the Invalides

Visiting the Invalides Army Museum is rich in surprises. It is difficult, if not impossible, to see everything in one day.

The Court of Honour

By entering the Court of Honour, you will already be transported to this world apart, where the artillery collection will blend with that of the superb monumental sculptures.

Le Dôme and the Cathedral of Saint-Louis

Built upon request by Louis XIV, the church is dedicated to Louis IX and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The Golden Dome of the Royal Chapel of Invalides, added a few years later, is one of the symbols of Paris.

The body of Napoleon I rests under this pearl of French architecture. It is also the case of the remains of other figures of history, such as that of Vauban .

Armes and costumes of Saint Louis to Louis XIV

If you visit the Army Museum, you can’t miss this impressive collection of antique weapons and armour, some of which date back to the 13th century. Take a leap in time and live the Crusades, the Thirty Years War or the great tournaments of this time.

Armes and costumes from Louis XIV to Napoleon III

During the previous room for the following chronological period, the Louis XV arms and costumes room to Napoleon III will teach you more about the organization of the great battles and the life of the soldiers between the 17th and the 19th century.

Space reserved for the two world wars

More than a thousand objects testify to the history of the two uniform world wars, historical models, armaments, emblems, paintings, everyday objects, etc. Spaces decompose in 6 rooms , which follows a chronological order (from the Joffre Hall to the Berlin Room and the Cold War).

Other spaces and museums

Alongside these rooms, many other spaces await your visit: the Charles de Gaulle History, the unusual cabinets, the Musée de l’ordre de la Libération and the Musée des Plans-Reliefs.

How to visit the Army Museum in the Invalides?

Guided tour

Would you like to visit the Musée de l’Armée aux Invalides without losing a miette? Choose the guided tour! The Museum provides a wide range of themes, which can be consulted on the Museum website .

Audioguide

If you wish to enrich your visit without visiting a guide, book your digital guide at the fare 5€ , on the site of the Musée de l’Armée aux Invalides.

Nightlife

Visit the Army Museum from another angle. Nights are organized by the Museum. Indeed, from April to September, some parts are visible every Tuesday until 9pm : the department of Louis XIV to Napoleon I, the unusual cabinets, the tomb of Napoleon III, the Dome, the temporary exhibition of the moment and the museum of the order of Libération.

Note : Before your visit, make sure to consult the website of the Army Museum in the Invalides, to learn about the topic of temporary exhibition and upcoming events. In addition, it should be noted that some of the museum's collections are visible online.

How do I go to the Invalides Army Museum?

Where is the Army Museum?

The Invalides Army Museum has 2 inputs . One is located at 129 rue de Grenelle On the Esplanade side of the Invalides. The other is 2 place Vauban , Dôme des Invalides side. This entry is to be preferred for persons with motor disabilities.

By bus

• Line 28: Tour Maubourg stop
• Line 69: stop Varennes
• Lines 62, 63, 82, 83, 92, 93: Invalides stop

By metro or RER

• Line 8: Tour Maubourg or Invalides stations
• Line 13: station Varennes
• RER C: station Invalides

By car

For trafficked people, you can park your car on the car parking fee , located 23 rue Constantine.

For groups arriving by car, visitors must be deposited Place Vauban. Parking is paid.

In Vélib’

Let’s not forget the Vélib’! Many will allow you to drop your bike including:

• The Velib Varenne Station
• Station Velib n°7017
• The Station Vélib CLER

Schedules and Rates of the Army Museum in the Invalides

HORARI

• 1 April to 31 October: open from 10am to 6pm
• 1 November to 31 March: open from 10am to 5pm
• During the Christmas and winter school holidays: open from 10am to 5:30pm
• July and August: the church of the Dôme and the tomb of Napoleon are visible from 10am to 7pm

Note : The Invalides Army Museum is open all year round, except the 1 January , 1 May and 25 December . Access to the boxes is closed 30 minutes before closing .

RATES

Single ticket

The entrance to the Museum gives access to the tomb of Napoleon I, the church of the Dome, permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Museum of Plans-Reliefs and the Museum of the Order of Libération.

• Rate: 12€
• Reduced price: 10 € (old fighters, large families, holders of a CEZAM card).
• Cut-the-line ticket : buy it via the online ticketing of the Army Museum.
• Free young people under the age of 18, nationals or residents of the European Union (aged from 18 to 25), military, disabled and disabled (and their attendants), holders of the Education Pass and Paris Museum Pass, etc. The full list of beneficiaries is online on the site of the Army Museum in the Invalides

Note : The ticket must be taken in cash, before entering the Army Museum in the Invalides.

Group rates

• Group rate : 10€
• Group rate with lecture guide: €12.90 per adult

Note : The group must be composed of 20 minimum persons and Maximum 30 . Reservation is mandatory. It's done online, by phone or by email. For groups of adults on a free visit, booking is also mandatory from 20 people.

Educational visits

Playful visits are organized for families and children.

• Child: 7€
• Adult accompanying: 12€

Did you notice everything? You are ready to visit the Invalides Army Museum!