The restoration of Napoleonic monuments

The appeal was launched on 5 May 2019, and now, almost two years after the event, the Musée de l’Armée and the Fondation Napoléon, co-organiser and patron, are pleased to announce that the appeal target was reached (and surpassed) on 1st February 2021, with a grand total of €836,960. This success was made possible thanks to the support of nearly 2,310 donors from France and around the world, individuals and companies. The Musée de l’Armée and the Fondation Napoléon warmly thank donors for their commitment and support.

This exceptional effort and result will make it possible to finance more of the restoration work than previously planned, all additional donations being also directed towards the restorations planned as part of this appeal.

This is a historic monument that receives more than 1.2 million visitors a year, and the wear and tear caused by this, not to mention the fact that the places in question had not been restored for more than a century, made this operation urgently necessary.

This twenty-month fund-raising project was marked by several highlights. The restoration work to restore lustre to these Napoleonic monuments began in December 2019. The tomb, the crypt and the twelve “Victoires” have been restored to their full splendour and prestige as a result of the restored gilding and meticulous cleaning of the stones and marbles. Other equally spectacular results have been achieved in the renovation of the Chapelle Saint-Jérôme, begun in May 2020.

The Museum has also undertaken the restoration of six exceptional paintings on the theme of the return of the Emperor’s Mortal Remains.

The Musée de l’Armée and the Fondation Napoléon are delighted to have been able to mobilise the savoir-faire and expertise of so many heritage professionals for this major restoration project, especially given the difficult context of 2020.