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As part of a partnership forged in 2019 between the Rmn Grand Palais and the Etablissement Public du Parc et de la Grande Halle de la Villette, an exhibition was produced in 2021 to mark the bicentenary of Napoleon s death, despite having been postponed for several months due to the pandemic. Made possible through the commitment of all of France s Napoleonic museums, this project explored the unlikely story of a complex character who was at once admired and controversial, victorious and conquered, heroic and tragic; a dramatic story that continues to fascinate and spark reflection to this day. It highlighted both the political and cultural legacies that impacted the Napoleonic era and the tragedies that punctuated it.

Thanks to the unanimously-acclaimed scenography, visitors were immersed in spectacular reconstitutions showcasing the arts and court life of an era that would have a lasting impact on the decorative arts. Displays included pieces of furniture and objets d art designed following the Egyptian campaign, as well as an entire room illustration the way style evolved at the height of the Empire. A room built around a throne featured the most opulent productions of the era. These spaces were complemented by magnificent court garments, weapons of luxury, decorations, Sèvres porcelain and pieces of goldsmithery, as well as a monumental car commissioned for the Emperor s wedding to Marie-Louise. Added to these were some of the emperor s personal items, as well as an imposing campaign tent with its original furnishings. The theme of war was also addressed through the presentation of a cannon, an ammunition crate, military uniforms and a giant screen with a projection of one of the most famous cavalry charges in the history of France, at the Battle of Eylau. Many sculptures also accompanied the paintings by the greatest painters of the era, such as David, Gros and Gérard.

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