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.