Free Playmobil exhibition at Fontainebleau: immerse yourself in the epic of Napoleon and the 1st Empire

A fun, free exhibition looking back at Napoleon's 1ᵉʳ Empire period? That's what the Médiathèque de Fontainebleau is offering from November 16 to December 15, 2025. If you're passing through or visiting the château, be sure to stop by this free exhibition, which is sure to please both Playmobil fans and children in search of play.

Lovers of history and toys will be in Fontainebleau to immerse themselves in the world of Napoleon Bonaparte, thanks to meticulously crafted Playmobil® scenes. The exhibition, organized by Expo-Playmo and the town of Fontainebleau, retraces the key moments of the Emperor and the 1st Empire. Reconstructed scenes can be admired in the Charité Royale (15 rue Royale), with free admission during Médiathèque opening hours. Please note that this is not an official exhibition, nor is it sponsored by Playmobil®, but rather a private initiative highlighting these famous figures and the history of Napoleon.

From the Egyptian campaign to the Battle of Eylau, via the military school at Brienne-le-Château, each scene, drawn from private collections, invites you to travel back in time. Children, too, can play an active part, thanks to a booklet-game that's perfect for exploring history while having fun.

Scenes to discover include:

Here are some of the historical paintings brought to life with Playmobil® miniatures:

• To be read
• Tips for the week of November 25 to December 1, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• What to do in Paris and the Paris Region in November 2024? Our tips and ideas for outings
• Free museums and monuments this Sunday: places to visit this December 1, 2024 in Paris

• October 5, 1795 - Crackdown on royalists: Napoleon demonstrates his strategic skills by defending the Republic against a royalist insurrection in Paris.
  
  
• 1779-1784 - The Royal Military School of Brienne-le-Château: Discover Bonaparte's youth, trained in the military art at this prestigious institution.
  
  
• 1798-1801 - Egyptian Campaign: A landmark adventure in which Napoleon made a name for himself through his victories and his interest in scientific discoveries.
  
  
• February 7 & 8, 1807 - The Battle of Eylau: One of Napoleon's bloodiest battles, against Russian forces in a snowstorm.
  
  
• May 5, 1821 - Napoleon's death on St. Helena: The Emperor's final exile and his last days on an isolated island in the Atlantic.

Each painting is an invitation to contemplate the story from a playful, original angle, reinforced by the ingenuity of the staging.

The exhibition runs from November 16 to December 15, 2024 at the Charité Royale, 15 rue Royale, Fontainebleau. It is open free of charge during Médiathèque opening hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3pm to 7pm, Wednesdays from 10am to 7pm, Fridays from 3pm to 6pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 6pm, with special openings on Sundays, November 17 and December 15, from 10am to 6pm. A great family outing not to be missed!