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The Palace and the Museum of the Legion of Honour

The Hôtel de Salm was commissioned by Prince Frederic III of Salm-Kyrbourg from the architect Pierre Rousseau in 1782 and completed in 1788. The Legion of Honour acquired it on 3 May 1804. Severely damaged in the Paris Commune fire, the mansion was identically rebuilt by the architect Mortier between the years 1871 and 1878.
It is the residence of the Grand Chancellor and the headquarters of the Order. The building harbours the Grand Chancery which is the administrator of the national orders: the Legion of Honour (since 1802), the Military Medal (since 1852) and the Order of Merit (since 1963).

The palace is also the home of the National Museum of the Legion of Honour and the Orders of Knighthood (since 1925).

The museum was built between 1922 and 1925 in a wing that was once the stables of the Salm Mansion. Founded by General Yvon Dubail, it was funded by contributions from Legion of Honour and Military Medal holders. The response was particularly generous from the United States.
The initial core of the objects exhibited when it opened in 1925 came from the Grand Chancery, from collections of the national museums and from the collection of an enlightened amateur, Maurice Bucquet (1860-1921). Numerous donations and prestigious purchases have been added along the years.

Religious and Chivalrous Orders

The Orders of Religion and Chivalry, communities of knights grouped around a grand master in the service of an ideal, first appeared during the Crusades.
The sovereign military and hospital order of Saint-John of Jerusalem, known today as the Order of Malta, is one of the rare orders to have crossed the centuries

The sovereign military and hospital order of Saint-John of Jerusalem

Created in the wake of the First Crusade, the Order’s role was military, religious and hospital up until the disappearance of the Latin states in the Middle East.
The Knights guarded the seas for more than two hundred fifty years all while pursuing their hospital vocation; they first retreated to Cyprus, then to Rhodes and finally to Malta in 1530.
Bonaparte drove them out in 1798. The Order was able to settle in Rome in 1834 and its influence has continued to grow ever since. Today its functions remain exclusively charitable and hospital.
The insignia of the Order is a white cross with eight points. At first it was made of cloth and sown on to the knights’ coats. The enamel and gold jewelled version of the cross appeared in the 16th century and was not codified until the end of the 19th century.

The French Royal Orders

European princes drew inspiration from the ideal of chivalry and the example of the sound organisation of the religious and chivalrous orders. They began to found their own orders in order to reinforce their political power and to secure the loyalty of a chivalrous elite.

In France, the Orders of Saint Michael (1469) and of the Holy Spirit (1578) were reserved for the aristocratic nobility. They gave pace to the Old Regime and their prestige was impressive. In 1693, Louis XIV founded the first democratic order of merit, the military order of Saint Louis. This distinction paved the way for the Legion of Honour whose roots, beyond its new ideas, go back to the deepest traditions of French chivalry.

The Legion of Honour and First Empire

First Consul Bonaparte created the Legion of Honour in 1802. More than two centuries later, it continues to be a symbol of talent, courage and dedication to the nation.
The white star dangling from its red ribbon has faced all political upheavals. Only the central image has changed in response to the movement of history: Empire, Monarchy, Republic. . . Its meaning remains true to the hopes of its founder and today, as in the past, the Legion of Honour singles out an active and outgoing elite, the mirror of a nation through time.

The three collars of the Legion of Honour are at the heart of the museum. The prestigious insignia are the vibrant symbols of the order’s universality and endurance.
The First Empire collar had no statutory regulation and was thus worn by others besides the Emperor including princes in his family and several high dignitaries. It was designed by Dominique-Vivant Denon and manufactured by the silversmith Biennais. The symbols in the medallions represent the activities of the nation where Legion of Honour holders have excelled.
A new ornament, directly inspired by the first, was fabricated under the Third Republic. It became the emblem of the Presidents of the Republic whose names are engraved on the reverse side of the medallions.
The current Fifth Republic collar was made upon the Museum’s initiative in 1953. It is this collar that is presented to the new President during the inaugural ceremony.

Napoleon created three other orders of merit besides the Legion of Honour. The Order of the Iron Crown (1805) and the Order of Reunion (1811) did not survive the Empire. The military Order of the Three Fleeces (1809) disappeared with no registered nominations.

King Jerome’s writing desk and the cameo-like porcelain by Louis Parant are two of the prestigious works of art that provide some background to the history of the orders and decorations founded by the Emperor’s brothers. However, none of the distinctions founded by Joseph, King of Naples then of Spain, Louis, King of Holland, Jerome, King of Westphalia nor by his brother-in-law Joachim Murat, King of Naples, survived the Empire.

Two close collaborators of Napoleon are remembered through their priceless collections: Maréchal Berthier (court costume, breastplate and collar) and Arch-Chancellor Régis de Cambacérès (case containing 41 of his decorations).

World Orders

Mirrors of history and society, the old world’s orders and awards symbolize the construction and development of the countries which are part of Europe today. Some of the most prestigious orders of knighthood are still awarded today. The Order of the Garter (Great Britain) and the Order of the Elephant (Denmark) continue the secular traditions. Others are very feminine, genuine jewels of exquisite refinement. Orders of merit inspired by the French model became more generalized and were founded in other countries as of the 18th century. Accessible to all, they are complemented by numerous military and civil decorations adapted to the history and symbols of each country.

Some countries, like the United States of America, only award decorations and reserve a unique order, the Legion of Merit, for foreigners. Latin American countries owe their award system to the European models which are present in their history.
The concept of a sole honorary order, devoid of any material advantage, was foreign to Asian and African civilizations. It was only in the 19th century that Western customs were adopted and similar orders created. The first appeared in Turkey and introduced a new decorative design inspired by Eastern traditions.

Contemporary History

This long room is separated into three spaces with the heroes of World War I highlighted in the centre. The history of the orders and decorations awarded in France from 1789 is told from the earliest commemorative medals (for example, the Medal of Saint Helena and the Colonial Medal) up to the most recent Order of Merit, stopping in between for the Military Medal, the Croix de Guerre (War Cross), the Order de la Libération, colonial orders, four ministerial orders and others.

The insignia of a Crimean War veteran, a World War I infantryman, those of Joffre, Foch, Jean Moulin and many others can be seen in the showcases of the Contemporary room. It is an extraordinary display of courage and glory.

The mobilisation of the entire country, patriotic exaltation along with a cult for remembrance were some of the major characteristics of the Great War. These were transformed into a veritable cult for decorations, the tangible symbols of heroism and national sacrifice. Existing decorations were adapted, new ones were created, notably the Croix de Guerre (War Cross) and the Médaille interalliée (inter-Allies Medal). The first one rewarded acts of heroism, the latter commemorated peace.
A large number of insignia are on display in the cases all along the room. Two galleries of pastels by Eugene Burnand portray soldiers from all ranks in the Allied armies - a magnificent representation of common bonds in a universal conflict.
Twenty years later, the Second World War was marked by the failure of the French campaign. Years of Occupation and Resistance created a very particular context and the related decorations reflect the conflict well; the already existing ones were brought up to date and new decorations, like the Ordre de la Libération and the Resistance Medal, were created.

The second national order open to civilians, the Ordre National du Mérite (National Order of Merit), was established on 3 December 1963, one year after the code of the Legion of Honour was revised. It harmonized the system of French decorations and replaced a number of ministerial orders. Only four of these are still awarded: the Palmes Académiques, the Mérite Agricole (agriculture), the Mérite Maritime the Order of Arts et Lettres.
Rewarded solely for distinguished services, the National Order of Merit adds nuance to the notion of merit and has adapted the awards to the new demands of the modern world.

Multimedia Resource Centre

A inter-activity room enables users to discover the human dimension of the honours and incites thought about the foundations of our country and the virtues of the people who built it. Visitors can consult more than 300 profiles of men and women who exemplify the wealth and diversity of the French national orders. The portraits explain the role of the distinctions achieved in the service of the Nation and are presented in historical sequence or by themes. The information complements the presentations of the audiovisual stops throughout the museum.
Civics comes alive in an educational program specially designed for 4th/5th graders, junior and senior high school students.

Audioguides and audiovisual stations located at different points in the rooms enliven the visit. Each step of the history of the French orders is highlighted and the visitor is introduced to prominent decorated personages like Bayard the Knight, Vauban the military engineer, the drummer boy of Arcole, Maréchal Lannes, Lamartine, Pasteur, Citroën, Geneviève de Gaulle-Anthonioz, General Eisenhower, Jean Moulin, Eric Tabarly and many others.

The Legion of Honour Schools

When the French Revolution closed the doors of the convent schools it brought the end of educational institutions for girls. Only a few exclusive schools were available to girls at the beginning of the First Empire. Napoleon was aware of this lack and on 15 December 1805, in Schönbrunn, signed the decree which established “lay schools for daughters of the members of the Legion of Honour.” They were located in the Ecouen Château in 1807 and in the ancient abbey of Saint Denis in 1809.
Today the boarding schools are state establishments under the authority of the Grand Chancellor. The girls enrolled have a direct ascendant who is a holder of either the Legion of Honour, the Order of Merit or of the Military Medal. Students wear a uniform with a coloured belt that is a heritage of the First Empire – the colour of the belt changes with each grade.
There are about 1,000 students divided between the “collège” situated in the former convent of the Loges in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (once a home for orphans established in 1810) and the “lycée” in Saint-Denis.

Shop

Acces: Museum Entrance
2, rue de la Légion d’honneur 75007 Paris
The Museum shop-bookstore is open to the public during museum hours from Wednesday to Sunday, 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Catalogue upon request from:
La Société LR Paris
27, boulevard Malesherbes 75008 Paris
Tel: 33 1 42 65 57 53 / 33 1 42 65 43 40
Fax: 33 1 42 65 11 54
Email: www.bmlh.fr and www.lrparis.fr

The Legion of Honour Museum shop is managed by the Société L.R.* Paris.
The company was founded in 1959 by Jean Lemaire, a former cavalry officer. Today it is run by his daughter and two grandsons (Olivier and Charles Doligé), in line with the same traditions of respect for quality, courtesy and delivery dates.
* L.R. are the initials of the founder’s mother’s maiden name, Léonie de Ruffieu.

Young and old, experts, amateurs or the simply curious will find something to quench their thirst for information among the books approved by the Museum staff.

Musée de la Légion d’honneur, Guide de recherches en histoire de la Légion d’honneur, Paris, Société des amis du musée ; Saint-Rémy-en-l’eau, éditions d’art Monelle Hayot, 2002

How to find one’s way through the maze of archives, books and websites related to the Legion of Honour? This book is a tool for researchers, historians and anyone who hopes to find his roots by tracing his ancestors. Paperback, 18 x 24, 484 pages.

Laurence Wodey and Beatrice Coullaré, L’Insigne de l’honneur. De la Légion à l’étoile, 1802-1815. Paris, Société des amis du musée de la Légion d’honneur, 2005.

This richly illustrated book retraces the history of the insignia of the Legion of Honour from the Consulate to the Empire. The institution was decreed only two year after its foundation. Different models of insignia, fabrication techniques and award ceremonies are analysed with a look at the latest scientific discoveries. Bound cover, 21 x 27, 222 pages.

Anne de Chefdebien, Laurence Wodey and Bertrand Galimard-Flavigny, Ordres et décorations en France, Musée de la Légion d’honneur, 2006.

With more than 400 photos, this catalogue takes the reader through a guided tour of the rooms of the Museum (world decorations room not included). It is both a concise and sweeping history of the French orders and decorations since their origin and is a source of basic information on the insignia and on those who wore them.
Paperback, 20 x 26, 167 pages.

The Museum shop offers a wide selection of theme articles based on orders and decorations as well as French history. There is something for everyone, whether for personal pleasure or a gift for an award ceremony.
Besides the fine LR. scarves and national regulation decorations, the themes of national awards or personalities who made their mark in French history can be found on objects like china, glassware, games, watches, notebooks and an eau de Cologne.
To see the gift shop items visit www.bmlh.fr and www.lrparis.fr.

Your visit

The National Museum of the Legion of Honour and the Orders of Knighthood
2, rue de la Légion-d’Honneur
( next to the Orsay Museum esplanade)
75007 Paris

Telephone: 01 40 62 84 25
Fax: 01 40 62 84 96
E-mail : musee@legiondhonneur.fr
Web site : www.musee-legiondhonneur.fr

Opening times
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM Wednesday to Sunday; Tuesday reserved for groups with reservations.
Closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1, August 15, November 1 and December 25.

Admission
Free admission and use of audioguide.

How to get there
Bus numbers: 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 94
Métro station: Solférino
R.E.R. station: Musée d’Orsay
Deligny Car park; automobiles only; access along the Seine river bank

Wheelchair access: 1, rue de Solférino 75007 Paris

Group Visits

The Museum is open on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM only for group tours. Groups can also book their visits for other days open to the public.
Telephone: 01 40 62 84 25 Fax: 01 40 62 84 96
E-mail: musee@legiondhonneur.fr

Groups may use the museum’s free audioguides during their visit (English version available). Allow for two hours for the tour.
Group conditions: 25 people maximum / mandatory reservation

Guided tours take approximately 2 to 2.30 hours. Total cost: 145 Euros
Group conditions: 25 people maximum / mandatory reservation. Tours can be arranged in English.

A pedagogical program is developed around the general theme of “the Museum of the Legion of Honour, a place of remembrance, a place of citizenship”.

Information and reservations

Students will be met in the morning, from Tuesday through Friday, before normal opening hours for visitors.

Telephone: 01 40 62 84 25 Fax: 01 40 62 84 96
E-mail: musee@legiondhonneur.fr

Why tours for schoolchildren?

The aim of these visits is to deliver a civic message. This message is based on the recall of the development of the universal values common to all French citizens like equality, freedom, brotherhood, the sovereignty of the people, justice, mutual respect, secularism, honour, dignity, service, merit, heroism and setting an example. It is a reminder of a common heritage: history and memory.

The methodological aims are based on the knowledge and skills of the group involved, on interdisciplinary competencies, on the dynamics of the project and on bringing out the best in each young person.

Types of activities

Three types of activities, each adapted to 4th and 5th graders, junior high school and high school levels, will be available starting in the Spring of 2008.

- Freestyle visit

Young visitors are given a questionnaire to complete during their exploratory tour of the museum. They find help in the audiovisual stations, the audioguide or with the group leader.
The teacher may be allowed to intervene.

Rate: under evaluation
Duration: 1.30 to 2 hours.
Conditions: 30 students maximum + chaperones / mandatory reservation

- Theme based visits

Knights of yesterday, knights of today

To instil the notion of honour as a value common to all: the accent is on the personalities of members of the Legion of Honour.

Citizens on the field of honour: between sacrifice and reward

To instil the notion of service, heroism, personal and collective sacrifice while serving the country; national awards as a place of remembrance along the same lines as the monuments to the soldiers who died in service.

Citizens, pick up your awards!

Today’s orders and decorations: a system of rewards at the service of exemplary and meritorious citizens.

Rate: under evaluation
Duration: 1.30 to 2 hours.
Conditions: 30 students maximum + chaperones / mandatory reservation

- Workshops

Youth in the place of honour: heroes at all ages

A look at the memoirs of various heroes from the drummer boy of Arcole to today’s sports’ champions.

Power in all its states

Rate: under evaluation
Duration: 2 to 2.30 hours.
Conditions: 30 students maximum + chaperones / mandatory reservation

These activities can be integrated into a school project or the student’s curriculum.