Explorations: a matter of State? traces nearly three centuries of French exploration, from the 18th century to the present day. The exhibition highlights the links between science, government and the military that came together around these expeditions, in a context marked by issues of sovereignty and international rivalries.
The exhibition presents the different forms that exploration can take: distant voyages, scientific missions, sea crossings and specialised expeditions. It highlights the role of the military, called upon for their expertise in security, navigation, cartography, engineering and medicine.
Usually closing at 6pm, the exhibition will remain open until 8pm on Saturday evenings from 1 June to 11 July.
The Dome, which houses Napoleon’s tomb, as well as the Louis XIV-Napoleon Rooms and the cabinets of curiosities (in the East Wing) will also remain open until 8pm.
This ticket also provides access to our permanent collections, Napoleon I’s tomb (the Dôme’s church), and also the musée de l'Ordre de la Libération and the musée des Plans-Reliefs.
