Bowing Down

The Army Museum is one of the biggest military museums in the world.  Within the museum there are seven spaces.  The main courtyard, old armor and weapons, modern departments, extra ordinary cabinets, the tomb on Napoleon, contemporary department of the two World Wars, Charles de Gaulle Monument, and the Cathedral of Saint-Louis des Invalides.

The pictures above show how big the actual size of the Museum really is.  When walking up the courtyard you can see nets over all of the old fixtures so they will not fall.  Make sure to look up when you arrive so you can see the gold dome above the top of the building.

You will once again have to get your bags checked before entering.  This museum is on the Paris Museum Pass so you will not have to wait in line to get in.  Show the pass in all seven locations and you will be able to proceed through with no problems.

Make sure that you take brakes here and there so you don't get worn out.  There are a few places to eat and get some sweets, but I would recommend going to Angelina before going to see the Tomb of Napoleon.  They had one of the best Eclairs that I have ever had and their seating is adorable.  They had either tables or love seats to sit at and the lady that was working spoke English very well.

When you go on to the outside you will see another place to eat and then you will see the entrance to the tomb.  You will have to show your pass to get in, but there shouldn't be a line.  When you walk into the Tomb you are hit with gold and a beautiful altar before you see anything else.

When you start to walk forward you can start to see the brown of the tomb and then the green base and before you know it, you are bowing down to Napoleon.  He was only 5'2 so his tomb is small in size, but there is no small details.  When Napoleon had to give up his throne he was exiled to an island called Elba.  However, not even a year later he was back and was put at the head of another army.  His power came to an end in 1815 when he was exiled to St. Helena so there would be no chance of his return.  He was there for six years and many say that he died of stomach cancer.  His body was then brought back to Paris in 1840.

When the architects were designing how they would present his tomb they wanted to add a touch that would make those that visited bow down to the Emperor and look up to him.  No matter where you are you will have to bow down to him from the upper levels.  When you take the stairs down to the lower level you will not be able to see his tomb making it so that you will never be equal to him.  Walking around his tomb you have to look up to it.

There are many others that are buried here also.  Each room within the dome is designed beautifully as is the ceiling.  Make sure to look up and in each room to see all of the different colors and statues.

Overall, this place is something to see.  Take your time and plan for around three to six hours depending on if you want to just look around or read everything.  The building alone will take time to look at, but it is well worth it.  Learning about everything from when they had horses with armor to both World Wars.  Every inch of this building has something for everyone!