The Napoleon Exhibition at the Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris is one of the must-see events since the reopening of cultural venues. Visitors can discover or rediscover the reign of Napoleon from a whole new angle. A very modern immersive exhibition, which manages to summarize a historical figure that is both incredible and controversial. TheNapoleon position is to be discovered from May 28 to December 19, 2021. In order to make you want to go see it, Just Focus gives you its review. " READ ALSO – Paris, an open-air museum for contemporary art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMLDhHIPVok&ab_channel=GrandPalaisGrandPalaisVerified On the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Réunion des musées nationaux – Grand Palais, La Villette and Re Re / Adonis offers a spectacular exhibition, portraying a historical figure who shaped the current France.
An immersive exhibition
The Napoleon Exhibition is original because it is immersive. Arriving at the Grande Halle de La Villette in Paris, visitors can discover a dark place where period works mingle with new technologies. To start the tour, a short video is shown to visitors. The video introduces an important part of France's story. I named, the French Revolution of 1789, until the arrival of Napoleon in power. An educational moment, helping the public to better understand: Why is Napoleon such a famous character in the history of France? Make way for a visit! During my first steps, I was pleasantly surprised by the choice of music in the background of the introductory video. The song chosen is called " Napoleon Says" by the French band Phoenix. A real immersion! A small detail that is important because few cultural places use contemporary songs. The choice of this piece is therefore the sign of a real artistic choice. When the music stops, we quickly understand that we are going to enter an exhibition linking the past to the present. After this short introduction, visitors can finally immerse themselves in the life of the sovereign. There is a chronological scenography of the youth of Napoleon Bonaparte until his fall. For the occasion, different arts intersect such as painting, sculpture or cinema. The scenography of the event highlights the many controversies made by the emperor during his reign. An incredible but controversial historical figure.
A modern vision
From the beginning of the visit to the end of it, visitors can admire paintings, sculptures or videos. And do not worry dear parents, modern vision is also available for children with small virtual games all along the course. The Napoleon Exhibition offers a very contemporary look. The life of the sovereign is told in a new way. Thanks to the virtuality of the scenography, the exhibition manages to transport us from Napoleon 's youth to his death in 1821 on Île Sainte-Hélène. This exhibition is very interesting because it links the past to the present in order to tell the story of the emperor to the general public. But one point is very present throughout the visit, now the time is no longer for the glorification of the sovereign. This is the modernity of the event! Despite a modern vision, the debate does not exist because the emperor is desacralized. Thus, the key word of the visit is pedagogy through the presence of a concentration of works, objects and analyses made by historians. The Napoleon Exhibition includes more than 150 pieces from the greatest museums in the world and Europe, exhibited with films and objects.
A full story
Yes, the story is complete and very well told! As we know, the life of the sovereign contains many important dates and events. Thus, with a chronological exhibition, visitors discover a rereading of the life of Napoleon Bonaparte until his death. With also, the presence of other important characters such as the Empress Josephine. Yes, during the visit, the public can hear Napoleon's letters addressed to his beloved. A poetic parenthesis so beautiful… Despite the complexity of the emperor's reign, the narrative is comprehensive and very well detailed. It contains the various important stages of the Bonaparte years, Napoleon I, and the deposed emperor. Official documents or objects from the time take us back to a time when France was the center of the world.
"I campaigned without consulting anyone; I would not have done anything good if I had had to reconcile myself with the way of seeing another"
(Napoleon I)
Coronation dress of Joséphine de Beauharnais Throne of Napoleon I
