Like many of Paris's places of power, the Ministry of Justice is open to the public during the Journées du Patrimoine, on Saturday September 21 and Sunday September 22, 2024. Head for Place Vendôme to discover the workplace of the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals. TheHôtel de Bourvallais (which houses the Ministry) is almost invisible to tourists: it has to be said that the main focus is on the Colonne Vendôme and theHôtel du Ritz.
Yet it's here that the chancellors and later the gardes des Sceaux have lived and worked for the past 250 years. The building is full of secrets. Hardened eyes will find the symbols of justice hidden everywhere. There are six of them: the scales, echoing the weighing of deeds; the sword, the weapon of decision; the shield, the passive weapon of strength and victory; the scepter, an extension of the arm, a sign of power and authority; the hand, the instrument of mastery; and the serpent, symbolizing prudence.
Here, you can step back in time through the various salons of the private mansion and into the Royal Library, the office of the Keeper of the Seals and Minister of Justice! Another magnificent decorative element is a Gobelins tapestry after Raphael, adorning the main staircase.
Like every year, the Hôtel de Bourvallais, listed as a historic monument and home to the Ministry of Justice for over 300 years, opens its doors to the public. For the 41st edition, a tour of the building's ceremonial rooms and first floor offices will be organized, including two rooms (the corner room on the 1st floor and the former minister's office on the first floor) whose restoration, which took place in 2023-2024, was also the subject of a documentary film that will be shown continuously in the corner room.
Upstairs, in the Galerie Peyronnet, an exhibition entitled "Sceaux, l'empreinte de l'État", designed by the movable heritage mission of the Ministry of Justice's Department of Archives, Documentation and Heritage, will introduce visitors to sealing practices and their history, notably through objects and representations of sealing ceremonies.
To give visitors a better idea of the variety of professions and the different facets of the practice of law and justice, professionals will also be on hand over the two days to talk to visitors about their professions and career paths, and the training required to enter them.
The Hôtel de Bourvallais will be open non-stop from 09:00 to 18:00 on Saturday September 21 and Sunday September 22, 2024, with the last entrances at 17:30.
Visits are unaccompanied, with tour aids, and with Ministry of Justice staff on hand to provide information.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 21, 2024 to September 22, 2024
Location
Ministry of Justice - Hôtel de Bourvallais
13 Place Vendôme
75001 Paris 1
Access
Metro line 8, 12 or 14 "Madeleine" station
Prices
Free
Official website
journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
