From Alesia to Rome, the adventure of Napoleon III at the Musée d'archéologie nationale - closed

In the mid-19th century, Napoleon III undertook major archaeological digs in Europe and the Mediterranean basin. The Musée d'archéologie nationale recounts this incredible epic in the exhibition D'Alésia à Rome, l'aventure archéologique de Napoléon III. Co-organized with the Grand Palais, this exhibition brings together numerous pieces from collections scattered across various museums, libraries, private collections and art schools. On view from September 19, 2020 to February 15, 2021.

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Paintings, historicalobjects, surveys, photographs, reports, maps, prints, drawings: hundreds of historical and artistic items take us back 200 years, to the great archaeological voyage initiated by Napoleon III. Seeking to build his legend and glory, the emperor set out in the footsteps of Julius Caesar in Europe and the Mediterranean basin, in Greece, Italy and the Orient. Between 1858 and 1879, archaeologists excavated numerous sites, laying the foundations for modern scientific archaeology.

This epic was also an opportunity for France to demonstrate its scientific advances and modernity: each excavation site was scrupulously photographed, mapped and documented. Military personnel, archivists, teachers, churchmen and other notables were mobilized to collect information and objects, and send them to the Ministry of Public Instruction according to a clearly established methodology detailed throughout theexhibition.

The Musée d'archéologie nationale retraces the history of collections now dispersed among different institutions, and brings to life a little-known moment in history. Indeed, the excavations carried out by the CTG and those at the Farnese Gardens in Italy under Napoleon III remain unknown to the general public to this day.

Whether you're passionate about history, art, civilization or travel, come and see the exhibition D'Alésia à Rome, l'aventure archéologique de Napoléon III.