“2021 Année Napoléon” > Partners
2021 – Bicentenary of the Emperor’s Death
Born on 15 August 1769 in Ajaccio, Napoleon Bonaparte had a unique destiny: general, First Consul and then Emperor of the French, leaving a deep and lasting mark on the history of France and Europe. In 2021, the Fondation Napoléon is working with numerous partners in France and abroad to commemorate the Emperor’s death. This last great Napoleonic bicentenary offers the opportunity to disseminate the most recent historical knowledge on the personality and work of Napoleon, as well as on his unique legacy.
As a fitting climax to the bicentenary cycle begun in 1969, the Fondation Napoléon has brought together the institutions engaged in this bicentenary under the label “2021 Année Napoléon” [Napoleon Year 2021].
“2021 Année Napoléon” is going to be an unforgettable Napoleon Year throughout France and abroad, notably via the activities of the Villes Impériales [Imperial Towns network], the delegations of the Souvenir Napoléonien, regional and local institutions such as the Institut Catholique de Vendée (ICES), the Municipality of Waterloo and the French Domains on St Helena.
► Discover the complete Calendar of Events. (Dates are likely to be modified in the current circumstances, please contact the institutions for updates).
Below is the list (still expanding) of the institutions who are participating and their events.
Last update: 9 September 2021
OUR PATRON THE MAISON NAPOLÉON BONAPARTE
HIH Prince Napoléon and the Maison Napoléon Bonaparte supports the label “2021 Année Napoléon”. The website of the Maison Napoléon Bonaparte
► THE FONDATION NAPOLÉON’S PRODUCTIONS AND INVOLVEMENT
As a co-producer of numerous events, the Fondation Napoléon is lending several hundred objects from its collection to exhibitions designed by prestigious partners, and is producing two major new concerts. It is supporting the production and communication of events (exhibitions, colloquia, study days, talks, concerts and theatrical performances, etc.), as well as publications (exhibition catalogues, books, essays, magazines) of the partners bearing the label “2021 Année Napoléon”. see the special page “Patronage, Exhibitions, Events, Publications”, etc.
►► Napoleon – an open book: visit the websites of the Partner publishers and discover the books (new and re-published) that are coming out for the Bicentenary. (books in French, some additional content in English)
The AASCAR (Association)
The AASCAR association was founded in 2020 in the Hauts-de-France region. Its mission is the study of archaeological and tangible remains of contemporary military conflicts. The specific missions it sponsors, both in France and abroad, involve both university researchers (notably from the French National Archaeological Institute INRAP) and independents. details
ÂGE DU CAPITAINE
On the occasion of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, L’Âge du Capitaine, an association that organises educational entertainment and tourist events in the Escaud region, is organising a new type of game: the Mystery Game “The Return of the Emperor”. link in French
AGORA DES HAUTES TERRES D’OC / PETITES CITÉS DE CARACTÈRES
On the occasion of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, the association “Agora des Hautes Terres d’Oc” and the “Petites Cités de caractères” are joining forces to present an exhibition on Marshal Soult until 22 August 2021 at the Château de Lacaze. Link in French
AIX-EN-ŒUVRES
The Aix-en-Œuvres association, under the patronage of the French Minister of Culture and Communication, will propose a reading of Napoleon’s love letters to Josephine by the actor Samuel Labarthe, as part of the 15th Flâneries d’art contemporain in the gardens of Aix on 26 June 2021. This event has received financial support from the Fondation Napoléon. details
AMACLIO PRODUCTIONS – LA NUIT AUX INVALIDES
On the occasion of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, the famous show La Nuit aux Invalides, presented by Amaclio Productions, returns in a brand new edition to commemorate the Emperor with “Napoleon – The Flight of the Eagle”. details
FRENCH EMBASSY IN BELARUS
On May 5th 2021, the French Embassy in Belarus joins the Belarusian committees of uniform specialists of the Napoleonic period, partners in the re-enactment of the Russian retreat, to propose a presentation by law and political science students on Napoleon’s contributions to contemporary institutional history and the history of political ideas in Eastern Europe, a presentation of the French domains of St. Helena, a quiz, and a screening of the film Monsieur N in one of the largest movie theatres in Minsk. The best French-speaking high school and university students in Belarus will be invited to the event. Details
FRENCH EMBASSY IN MALTA
On 7 May 2021, the French Embassy in Malta is organising an international online colloquium on the theme “Malta-France: shared histories; new perspectives”, including a presentation by Professor Alain Blondy on the presence of Napoleon Bonaparte in Malta. This conference is placed under the high patronage of the President of the Republic of Malta. link in french
AMIS D’ANET Association
The Amis d’Anet assocoation [Friends of Anet] are commemorating the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death on 18 and 19 September 2021 in Saussay, France (28) with an exhibition about the Emperor. This exhibition will be repeated in Anet (28260) at the Dianetum during the week of 22 to 25 November 2021. Link in French
THE ARCHIVES NATIONALES (French National Archives)
The French National Archives were founded during the French Revolution, and the institution’s mission is to collect, conserve, provide public access to, and to encourage young people to learn healthy citizenship via national documents. The AN conserve the archives from the different French political regimes from the 7th century up to today, not to mention the archives of Paris notaries, and private record groups of national interest. details
ASNIÈRES-SUR-SEINE (town)
The town of Asnières-sur-Seine is taking part in the bicentenary of the death of the Emperor Napoleon I, a major figure in our history. link in French
AUXERRE TOURIST OFFICE
The tourist office of the town of Auxerre is offering a programme of guided tours for individuals as part of its “Pays d’Art et d’Histoire” (art and history) label. On the occasion of the bicentenary of the Emperor’s death, two guided tours will be offered to discover the history of the Emperor’s visit to Auxerre and his faithful companions, Captain Coignet and Marshal Davout. Link in French
AUX PORTES DE L’HISTOIRE (Association)
On the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon I in 1821, the historical re-enactment association Aux Portes de l’Histoire is co-organising, with its local partners and historical sites, several Napoleonic events throughout France. details
THE BIBLIOTHÈQUE NATIONALE DE FRANCE (French National Library)
The French national library, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, is a public institution under the aegis of the French ministry of Culture and Communication. Its mission is to collect, conserve, and to provide public access to French national documentary heritage. details
BIBLIOTHÈQUE MILITAIRE NATIONALE DE ROUMANIE [The National Military Library of Romania]
Founded in 1860, the National Military Library is a cultural institution of the Romanian Army, under the supervision of the Ministry of National Defence, whose mission is to collect, preserve, enrich and communicate the national documentary heritage of a military nature. Every year it welcomes 25,000 readers and 120,000 visitors through its exhibitions, events and other activities. link in French
BICENTENARY CHILE-FRANCE
Nearly 2,000 Napoleonic soldiers took part in the struggle for independence in Latin America. The commemoration of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death will be an opportunity to highlight the French epic in Chile, which was unique and even exceptional, both in terms of its duration and scale. details
BRITISH NAPOLEONIC BICENTENARY TRUST
The St Helena Government, through its British Napoleonic Bicentenary Trust, has put in place a series of events to commemorate the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death. Details
CERCLE NATIONAL DES ARMÉES
On Tuesday 22 June 2021 at 8pm, a talk entitled “Napoleon: Chess Player” is organised by the Cercle Nationale des Armées as part of the “2021 Année Napoléon” label. This exceptional event proposes an interdisciplinary reflection on Napoleon’s important and varied relationship with chess. Link in French
SCHLOSS ARENENBERG – NAPOLEONMUSEUM [Arenenberg castle and Napoleon Museum)
Arenenberg Castle, the former home of Hortense de Beauharnais and her sons, now houses the Napoleonmuseum of Thurgau, the only German-speaking museum on Napoleonic history. On the occasion of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, it is holding a temporary exhibition on Napoleon’s death, St Helena and the Napoleonic legend. details
CHÂTEAU DU PLESSIS-BOURRÉ
For the 6th consecutive year and on the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon (1769-1821), the Château du Plessis-Bourré welcomes enthusiasts both of history and of the Empire to re-enact a life-size confrontation between soldiers of the French Empire and the Chouans, skirmishes instigated by English spies. Link in French
CHAUMET
Chaumet, the Parisian jewellers founded in 1780 became very quickly official supplier to Napoleon and Josephine. Ever since then, the history of this jewellery house has been linked to the history of France. In the bicentenary year, Chaumet is celebrating its founding and re-telling the celebrated love story of this world-famous couple via an exhibition at Chaumet’s town mansion at 12 Place Vendôme. details
CINÉMATHÈQUE FRANÇAISE [The French Cinematheque]
In 2021, on the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon I, the Cinémathèque française is finalising an unprecedented project launched several years ago: the restoration/reconstruction of the complete version, known as the “Apollo” version, of almost 7 hours of Abel Gance’s epic film Napoleon. Details
THE COLLÈGE CLOS CHASSAING IN PÉRIGUEUX
To commemorate the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, the 4th and 3rd grade students of the theatre workshop of the Clos Chassaing secondary school in Périgueux in the Dordogne have been working since September under the direction of two teachers, Nathalie Labrousse and Christophe Gauthier, assisted by the actor-director Jean-Marie Champion, on a refined theatrical adaptation of Jean-Paul Kauffmann’s Chambre noire de Longwood [Longwood’s Dark Room]. The play is entitled “N. à Sainte Hélène”. link in French
THE COURTAULD
To mark the Bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, the Courtauld Institute’s Short Courses department has programmed a series of 10 lectures (running online, 5 October – 7 December 2021). Given the Courtauld’s subject speciality in art history, conservation and curatorship, the aim of the series is an in-depth investigation of the Napoleonic regime’s significant, diverse and complex impact on the visual arts. Details
LES ALLOBROGES SECONDARY SCHOOL IN LA ROCHE-SUR-FORON
On the occasion of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, 18 students in 4th grade and 52 students in 3rd grade from the “Les Allobroges” secondary school in La Roche-sur-Foron worked between April and June on the preparation of an exhibition entitled Napoléon Ier et nous” [“Napoleon I and us”] under the direction of their teachers Guillaume Yout and Jean-François Palomeras, which will take place from June to September 2021. link in French
THE COLLÈGE MONTAIGNE DE GOUSSAINVILLE (95)
As part of the national commemorations of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon Bonaparte, the 4th grade students of the Montaigne de Goussainville secondary school (Académie de Versailles) have created exhibition panels on the major moments of his life. Link in French
COMITATO DI BOLOGNA DELL’ISTITUTO DI STORIA DEL RISORGIMENTO
The Institute for the History of the Risorgimento in Bologna is organising a series of online meetings and talks in Italian in 2021 on the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon. Details
CIE JORDILS [theatre company]
Maryse Estier is a young theatre director, who trained at Ensatt (École nationale supérieure des arts et techniques du théâtre, class of 2016) and at the Académie de la Comédie-française (2017). She is working with her company “Jordils” on the creation of a condensed version of Edmond Rostand’s L’Aiglon, with the ambition of offering a truly modern creation of this work of theatrical heritage, whic was written and performed for the first time in 1900.. link in French
COMPIÈGNE (town)
To pay tribute to Emperor Napoleon I, who transformed the Château de Compiègne into an imperial residence in 1806, the town of Compiègne will join in the commemorations of the bicentenary of his death that will be held throughout the world. details
COMPANY DANSES AU (PAS)SÉ
Irène Feste, a professional dancer and choreographer specialising in the repertoire of historic dance from the 16th to the 19th century, is organising a study day on the quadrilles of the time of Napoleon I, in partnership with the BnF and the INHA, as part of “Danses au (Pas)sé” and the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death. Details
DIRE ET CHANTER LES PASSIONS
Dire et Chanter Les Passions (DCLP) is proposing an international cultural and scholarly colloquium combined with an exceptional sporting event entitled “War and the Chessboard” on 1 October 2021 in Furiani, Corsica, on the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon. link in French
DOMAINE DÉPARTEMENTAL DE LA VALLÉE-AUX-LOUPS – MAISON DE CHATEAUBRIAND [Chateaubriand’s house and the Vallée-aux-Loups Estate]
Chateaubriand devoted nearly 400 pages of his Mémoires d’outre-tombe to Napoleon. The Hauts-de-Seine department and the Maison de Chateaubriand in Châtenay-Malabry will commemorate the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death in 2021 with a programme of cultural mediation based on the link between the writer and the Emperor. details
THE FRENCH DOMAINS ON ST HELENA
The Napoleonic domains on the island of St Helena have belonged to France since 1857, and they have been run and managed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign affairs since 1858. The French domains on the island are: Longwood House, Napoleon’s residence from December 1815 to May 1821; the Valley of the Tomb, where Napoleon’s body was buried from 1821 to 1840; and the Briars Pavilion, Napoleon’s first residence of the island from October to December 1815. details
THE WATERLOO COMMUNE ÉCHEVINAT [Mayoral bureau for Culture]
The Waterloo Commune Echevinat or Mayoral Bureau for Culture has for these past thirty years ceaselessly sponsored initiatives encouraging interest and education with respect to Napoleonic history – this particular Belgian commune is not known worldwide for nothing! Hence, it is as part of the series known as “Grandes Conférences Historiques de Waterloo” (Waterloo’s Grand Historical Talks) that on 18 June 2021, the commune will host a major study day entitled “De Waterloo à Sainte-Hélène, le chemin de la Légende” (From Waterloo to St Helena: the stairway to the legend). details
EUROPA EXPO
The Europa Expo association, producer of renowned and popular exhibitions in Belgium, is organising an exhibition during 2021-2022 in the city of Liège on the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon. Details
FACULTY OF HISTORY, UNIVERSITY OF WARSAW
The History faculty of the University of Warsaw is organising a symposium on the theme “The memory of the Napoleonic era in the past and today. A colloquium on the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon Bonaparte (1821-2021)” on 14 and 15 May 2021. Details
FONDATION CULTURELLE FRANCOPHONE DE LONDRES (French-speaking cultural Fondation of London)
The Fondation culturelle francophone de Londres aims to promote and improve access for the French-speaking public to British cultural institutions, their collections and their activities, particularly in London. details
THE FONDATION DOSNE-THIERS
The Fondation Dosne-Thiers is first and foremost a research library, housing more than 156,000 volumes, including 1,500 old periodicals, 30,000 prints and caricatures, 1,000 drawings and 2,357 boxes of manuscripts. The library is dedicated to the history of France during the 19th century, with material related to the general, political, military, social and administrative history of France from 1789 to 1914. With its delightful air of private library and cabinet of curiosities, it is open to scholars on Thursdays and Fridays. details
THE FONDATION MARTIN BODMER
The Fondation Martin Bodmer, a library and museum housing the greatest texts of world literature and human history, has joined forces with the 2020-2021 Season of the “Rencontres de Coppet”, dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte on the occasion of the bicentenary of the Emperor’s death, for two talks (in French) which are available online for free: “Goethe and Napoleon” by Prof. Jacques Berchtold, writer and director Fondation Martin Bodmer, and “From Toulon to St Helena, souvenirs and relics of Napoleon” by Nicolas Ducimetière, deputy director of the Fondation Martin Bodmer. Link in French
JEAN GAUDAIRE-THOR (ARTIST)
Since 2015, the painter Jean Gaudaire-Thor has been working on the Napoleonic epic giving his own visual interpretation of this epic story. It is from a contemporary angle that the artist invites us to revisit this unique moment of our collective memory. 400 works (paintings, drawings, sculptures) produced over the last five years will be presented in 2021 in Toulon, Fontainebleau, Sens, and Cervia in Italy. Link in French
ST HELENA GOVERNMENT
The St Helena Post Office and St Helena Government Customer Services is to issue a series of commemorative stamps on 5 May 2021. details
THE GOUVERNEUR MILITAIRE DE PARIS
As part of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon I, the Military Governor of Paris is presenting the play “La dernière salve” by Jean-Claude Brisville, on 16 and 17 June 2021 at 7pm, in the Cour d’Honneur of the Invalides. A charity event under the high patronage of Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic, the proceeds of which will be donated to charities providing aid to the wounded and bereaved families of the French armed forces. Link in French
THE HAUTS-DE-FRANCE REGION
As part of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, the Hauts-de-France Region and its partners are tracing his cultural and architectural heritage through an event on the Region’s Youtube channel. Link in French
HISTOIRE DE LIRE
Histoire de lire, the history book fair in Versailles, has launched its series of podcasts. On the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon, Histoire de lire is releasing a first season about Napoleon. Discover various historical gems, anecdotes, even original discoveries, in the company of Thierry Lentz, Jean Tulard, David Chanteranne and other specialists of the First Empire. Six episodes to listen to, available on all podcast platforms and on the “Histoire de lire” website. Podcasts in French
HISTOIRE TV
Histoire TV, a mainstrean tv channel devoted to history, will in May 2021 present a special schedule for the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death with almost 10 hours of documentaries and features on Napoleon’s death. link in French
THE INSTITUT CATHOLIQUE DE VENDÉE
The Catholic Institute in the Vendée is a French private university with EESPIG status, founded in 1990 as a non-profit association under the name ICES or Institut catholique d’études supérieures. The university’s campus is in the town of La Roche-sur-Yon, in the French Vendée département and, administratively, it is under the Rectorat of Nantes. details
THE INSTITUT DE FRANCE
The Institut de France is a learned society comprising five “académies”. It is partner in the “2021 Année Napoléon” label not only because it is the body that manages the Fondation Dosne-Thiers with the events that take place there or in which the Fondation takes part, but also in its own name. details
IFRA / INSTITUT FRANÇAIS FRANKFURT (French Institute of Frankfurt)
In cooperation with the city of Hanau, the French Institute Frankfurt is offering a short video on the Battle of Hanau as seen by Napoleon’s soldiers. This video (in German) will be published on the internet on 5 May to mark the bicentenary of the Emperor’s death. link in French
THE HÔTEL ABBATIAL SAINT RÉMY IN LUNÉVILLE
The museum of the Hotel Abbatial Saint Rémy in Lunéville has more than 1,000 m2 of exhibition space, in which it presents not only its 18th-century collection but also temporary exhibitions. Details
INTERSIGNES COMPAGNIE (Theatre Company)
As part of the commemoration of the death of Napoleon I in 1821, the Intersignes company will present its Napoleonic play Napoléon. La nuit de Fontainebleau [The Night of Fontainebleau]. Link in French
ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX (town)
In October 2021, the town of Issy-les-Moulineaux (Paris Region) will hold an exhibition on the theme of Napoleon’s legacy in its Espace Jeunes Anne Frank, to mark the bicentenary of the Emperor’s death. Link in French
LA POSTE [French National Postal Service]
As part of the commemoration of the death of Napoleon I in 1821, La Poste is issuing a set of two stamps and a sheet. A “NAPOLEÓ 1R” stamp is also being issued for the Principality of Andorra. Details
LAVAUR (TOWN)
The town of Lavaur, in the Tarn region of France, will organise several events under the label “2021 Année Napoléon” to commemorer the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon, and exhibition about Jean de Dieu Soult, Marshal of the Empire (18 May – 9 June 2021) and a weekend of re-enactments, talks and bivouac (2-3 October 2021). link in French
THE MASSENA SOCIETY
The Masséna Society was founded in 2006 in memory of the Marshal André Masséna. It is an unaffiliated academic society mentoring graduate students in Napoleonic and Revolutionary diplomatic, political, and military history. Membership is by invitation, and the Society’s activities are supported by donations. As part of the commemoration of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon, the Massena Society is organising a three-day zoom symposium on Napoleon and his legacy. Details
MÉDIATHÈQUE ANDRÉ MALRAUX DE BÉZIERS [The André Malraux media library in Beziers]
In 2021, the André Malraux Media Library (MAM) in Béziers will commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon I during an exceptional weekend. link in French
MÉMORIAL DE LA BATAILLE DE WATERLOO 1815 [The Waterloo Memorial 1815]
As part of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon I, the Memorial of the Battle of Waterloo 1815 is organising a major exhibition from 5 May to 18 October 2021. It will be entitled “Napoleon: from Waterloo to Saint Helena, the birth of the legend”. Details
THE MOBILIER NATIONAL [French National Furniture Repository]
Since the 17th century, the Mobilier National [French National Furniture Repository] and its manufactories have showcased French craftsmanship in the exquisite French tapistries, carpets and furniture that they created. The institution is descended from the Garde-Robe [wardrobe] of the French Crown and its primary mission is to provide furniture and furnishings for state buildings.
In addition, it oversees the conservation and restoration of its unique worldwide collection, comprising more than 130,000 items of furniture and furnishing. Details
MUSÉE NATIONAL DE LA MARINE [French National Maritime Museum]
The Musée de la Marine is planning a programme of events on its Brest and Toulon sites in connection with the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death from May 2021. It will also on this occasion produce a podcast on Napoleon and the Egyptian campaign. details
MUSÉE DE LA MONNAIE DE PARIS (Museum of the Paris Mint)
Founded in 864, the Monnaie de Paris [Paris Mint] is the oldest French institution and one of the oldest companies in the world. It provides the public service of minting current euros for France and other foreign currencies. For twelve centuries, it has cultivated a high tradition in the art of metalworking. It was the first ever factory to be built in Paris, it is today the last one in operation and indeed its artistic productions are still carried out in its historic factory on the Quai de Conti in Paris. Details
THE MUSÉE DE L’ARMÉE [French Army Museum]
Ranked sixth in the Paris top ten of most-visited museums (more than 1.2 million visitors in 2019), the Musée de l’Armée (Army Museum) with its famous collection housed in the Hôtel des Invalides (in Paris’s 6th arrondissement) provides visitors not only with a view of the history of France but also access to the celebrated Dome under which lies the tomb of Napoleon I. The museum was founded in 1905, and it has one of the largest military history collections in the world, with more than 500,000 objects, running from the Bronze Age to the 21st century. Details
THE MUSÉES DE SENS (Museums of the town of Sens]
The Sens museums are opening a new room dedicated to their Napoleonic collection in 2021, to mark the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon I. Details
THE MUSÉE DU CHABLAIS, THONON-LES-BAINS
Created in 1860, the Musée du Chablais has a wide range of collections, including an Empire collection based on the figures of three local generals: Joseph-Marie Dessaix, Louis-Pierre-Aimé Chastel and Pierre-Louis Dupas. In 2021, the museum is a partner of the “2021 Année Napoléon ” label with an exhibition “Sauts dans le temps. 7000 ans d’histoire(s) du Chablais” [Leaps in time. 7000 years of Chablais history(s)], one part of which is devoted to the French interlude from 1792 to 1815. Link in French
MUSEO GLAUCO LOMBARDI, PARMA
The bicentenary of Napoleon’s death will be remembered by the created to house Glauco Lombardi’s collection with a publication and a temporary exhibition: underlining the central role that the figure of the emperor plays in the Museum’s collection, the initiatives aim at reconstructing the scenario and the consequences that occured in the Duchy of Parma, after his death, where the former Empress Maria Luigia of Habsburg reigned from 1816. Details
THE MUSÉE MASSÉNA, NICE
In 2021, on the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon I, the Musée Masséna in Nice will propose an exhibition and other events. Details
THE MUSÉE NATIONAL DU CHÂTEAU DE FONTAINEBLEAU
The Château de Fontainebleau houses a museum dedicated to Napoleon I. Amongst the treasures, there are notably: the sword and tunic from the coronation; the emperor’s famous hat; his campaign furniture; and also the King of Rome’s cradle. The galleries are packed with portraits, busts and objets d’art related to members of his family, diginitaries and Imperial officers, figures not only to whom Napoleon gave European thrones but also to whom he entrusted the administration of the Empire. In total, more than 700 works, for the most part commissioned to serve the Emperor’s political projects, testify to the extraordinary swagger of the Napoleonic episode. Details
THE MUSÉE NATIONAL DE LA MAISON BONAPARTE
The house where Napoleon was born on 15 August 1769 is today the French national “Bonaparte House” museum. Napoleon lived there until the age of 9, when he left to go to primary school in Autun. In 1852, the house was inherited by Napoleon III. In 1923, the Prince Victor Napoléon, heir to the Empress Eugenie, offered the house to the French state, whereupon it was classed as a historical monument. In 1967, the residence became a French National Museum, and today it is under the aegis of the French National museum of the Châteaux of Malmaison and Bois-Préau. In 2004, the building was enlarged through the purchase of a neighbouring house which made it possible to add museum galleries dedicated to the Second Empire and to temporary exhibitions. Details
THE MUSÉE NATIONAL DES CHÂTEAUX DE MALMAISON ET BOIS-PRÉAU
The Château de Malmaison was acquired in 1799 by Napoleon and Josephine. From 1800 onwards, a succession of meetings, receptions, concerts, balls and games took place there. This private residence, decorated in an elegant and refined style typical of the Consular period, is also renowned for its beautiful gardens in which many rare or exotic plants can be found. Details
THE MUSÉES NATIONAUX DE L’ÎLE D’AIX
The National Museum on the island of Aix became a historical monument in 1925 when the house from which Napoleon left to surrender to the British was sold to Baron Napoléon Gourgaud (1891-1944), grandson of the General Gaspard Gourgaud, who accompanied Napoleon from Aix to St Helena. The ten rooms in the house/museum tell the stories of the histories of the island of Aix, the Gourgaud Family, and the Napoleonic Legend. Details
THE MUSÉE WELLINGTON (Wellington Museum in Waterloo)
To commemorate the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, the Wellington Museum in Waterloo (Belgium) is organising an exhibition entitled “L’Empire en Playmobil®” [The French Empire in Playmobil®], telling the story of the great moments of Napoleon’s life and his reign with scale models using the popular figurines. Details
NAPOCTEP
NAPOCTEP is a European inter-regional (Spain-Portugal) project aiming to enhance the cultural heritage of the Napoleonic era through the creation of itineraries in the area covering the central region of Portugal (Beira and Serra da Estela) and the Spanish region of Castilla y León. On the occasion of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, it is joining the label “2021 Année Napoléon”. Details
NORMANDY (REGION)
As part of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, several official commemorative ceremonies are being organised in the French departments of Normandy. Link in French
NOS GENS D’HIER (Association)
The historical re-enactment association “Nos Gens d’Hier”, based in Nogent-sur-Seine (In the Aube region in Northern France), will take part in events to mark the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon I. link in french
THE PALAIS FESCH-MUSÉE DES BEAUX-ARTS D’AJACCIO
In 2021, the Palais Fesch-musée des Beaux-Arts in Ajaccio, Corsica, is organising an exhibition on the theme of “Napoleon, legends”, on the occasion of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, in partnership with the Musée national des châteaux de Malmaison et de Bois-Préaux. Details
THE CAILLEBOTTE ESTATE
The Caillebotte Estate – the house, the park with its factories and the river – were a major source of inspiration for the Impressionist painter Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894) who lived there with his family from 1860 to 1879. Although the estate’s name honours this illustrious former resident, that of the estate’s previous owner, the widow Biennais, is no less memorable due to the celebrity of her late husband, Napoleon I’s goldsmith and cabinetmaker Martin-Guillaume Biennais (1764-1843). The sumptuous Empire furniture in the bedroom on the first floor of the house is a reminder. Details
RMN-GRAND PALAIS and LA VILLETTE
The Réunion des Musées nationaux – Grand Palais, La Villette and Re / Adonis are joining forces to propose a major “Napoleon” exhibition at the Grande Halle de le Villette, in North-East Paris, as part of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death. Details
PUTEAUX (town)
The town of Puteaux, in the Hauts-de-Seine department of France, will be organising numerous events under the label “2021 Année Napoléon” to celebrate the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death. Several historical details connect Napoleon to this town, which was at that time only a farming village. Commemorative plaques, exhibitions, talks, shows, workshops, local craftwork and publications will be proposed by the town from May 2021. link in French
THE FESTIVAL “RENCONTRES DE COPPET”
The 2020-2021 season of the Rencontres de Coppet was devoted to Napoleon Bonaparte on the occasion of the bicentenary of the Emperor’s death. Six talks, given by historians and literature specialists, were filmed and made available online free of charge. DÉCOUVRIR LES ÉVÉNEMENTS
ROCHER MISTRAL
More information later.
RUEIL-MALMAISON (town)
The town of Rueil-Malmaison (in the suburbs of Paris) offers a pleasant journey into history. The town’s Napoleonic heritage revolves around several imperial sites namely: the Château de Malmaison which was the private residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Josephine; the Château de la Petite Malmaison with the Empress’s greenhouses; and finally the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul where the Empress is buried beside her daughter, Queen Hortense, mother of Napoleon III. The town of Rueil-Malmaison highlights this rich imperial heritage with regular talks and exhibitions, but also the Imperial Jubilee, a major re-enactment event. details
RUFFEVEILLE (town)
The town of Ruffeveille, in the Manche department of France, will host two days of Napoleonic festivities on 31 July and 1 August 2021, with re-enactments, cultural tours, concerts, games and conferences, to mark the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon. Link in French
SAINT-CLOUD (town)
As part of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, the town of Saint-Cloud just outside Paris is proposing to relive the era of the First Empire during a commemorations throughout the last months of 2021. link in french
SCIENCES-PO ALUMNI
The Sciences-Po Alumni Association, which brings together students and graduates of Sciences-Po around common interests, will propose through its History Club a special programme on the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon. link in French
THE DEPARTEMENT OF THE SEINE-ET-MARNE
As part of the commemoration of the death of Napoleon I in 1821, the Seine-et-Marne département will be organising a symposium in May 2021 on the relationship between the Emperor and the département, at the Château de Fontainebleau and the Seine-et-Marne Departmental Archives. A play will also be performed the day after the symposium closes at the municipal theatre in Fontainebleau. details
THE SERVICE HISTORIQUE DE LA DÉFENSE (History department of the French Army)
The French army history department, the Service Historique de la Défense (SHD), oversees the archives of the ministries in charge of military affairs. It has a one of the largest specialist military history libraries in France. Another of its missions is to accredit, index and collect military symbols (emblems and colours) and to participate in defence history projects. details
SÈVRES – MANUFACTURE ET MUSÉE NATIONAUX
To mark this Year commemorating Napoleon, Sèvres – the National Manufactury and Museum of porcelaine invites you to discover some of the productions made by the Sèvres Manufactury for the Emperor Napoleon I, with a series of videos entitled “Sèvres au service de l’Empereur” [“Sèvres in the service of the Emperor”], which will be published on its social networks from 5 May 2021. Other events are planned. details
THE SOCIÉTÉ DES MEMBRES DE LA LÉGION D’HONNEUR DU TARN-ET-GARONNE
In 2021, the year of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death and the centenary of the creation of the Société des Membres de la Légion d’Honneur (SMLH), the SMLH of Tarn-et-Garonne has decided to create a statue of the Emperor Napoleon which will be erected on the Allée de l’Empereur (Emperor’s Avenue) in Montauban in November 2021. Link in French
THE SOUVENIR NAPOLÉONIEN
The Souvenir Napoléonien is the most important Napoleonic association in Europe. It was created on 27 December 1937 and was recognised as being “of public utility” by a ministerial decree of 5 November 1982. details
THE SOUVENIR NAPOLÉONIEN: DELEGATION OF THE ÎLE-DE-FRANCE
As part of the commemoration of the death of Napoleon I in 1821, the Île-de-France delegation of Souvenir napoléonien will organise regional events. details
THE SOUVENIR NAPOLÉONIEN: DELEGATION OF LIGURIA (ITALY)
The Ligurian delegation of the Souvenir napoléonien is organising a series of events in the region. Liguria is a region closely linked to the history of Napoleon: the Bonaparte family originated from the Ligurian town of Sarzana and emigrated from there to Corsica at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th century. Details
SOUVENIR NAPOLÉONIEN : DELEGATION OF THE PAYS DE LOIRE
As part of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, the Pays de Loire delegation of the Souvenir Napoléonien is offering a special programme in 2021, with talks, commemorations and various events. link in French
THE SOUVENIR NAPOLÉONIEN: DELEGATION OF THE BERRY-VAL DE LOIRE
As part of the commemoration of the death of Napoleon I in 1821, the Berry-Val de Loire Delegation of the Souvenir Napoléonien will be organising regional events. Details
TERRAE GENESIS
In honour of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, the Terrae Genesis museum and geology centre is making miniature replicas of Napoleon’s tomb at Les Invalides. link in French
THIONVILLE (town)
As part of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon I (1821-2021), the town of Thionville is proposing several events during the autumn of 2021 under the theme of “Napoleon the civil work”: a museum exhibition, a talk, a concert by the Republican Guard and films. link in French
TOUTE L’HISTOIRE (TV channel)
In 2021, the “Toute l’Histoire” tv channel is scheduling a special programme “2021 Année Napoléon” for the bicentenary of the Emperor’s death, from 29 March, in partnership with the Fondation Napoléon. link in French
TRIO JENLIS/FESTIVAL EST-OUEST/FERME DU BIÉREAU
The Trio Jenlis proposes the show “Une auberge musicale à l’époque napoléonienne” a co-production of the Festival Est-Ouest and the Ferme du Biéreau, on the occasion of the bicentenary of the death of Napoleon. Link in French
THE UNIVERSAL MUSEUM OF ART
On the occasion of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, the Universal Museum of Art (UMA) offers a virtual exhibition on the theme “Napoleon, Myth and Propaganda”. details
VENTOUX OPERA
To commemorate the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death, Ventoux Opéra, as part of its Soirées Lyriques du Ventoux, commissioned composer Pierre Thilloy to write a one-act pocket opera for three singers and five musicians about the Emperor: “Napoleon ou l’Amour nu” [Napoleon or Naked Love]. link in French
V
ILLE IMPÉRIALE [The “Imperial Town” Brand]
The “Ville Impériale” brand was created on 21 October 2011, on the initiative of the town of Rueil-Malmaison, and in partnership with the towns of Compiègne, Fontainebleau and Saint-Cloud.
The purpose of this association is to bring together all the towns that can justify, by their history and heritage, strong links with the First and/or Second Empire, including Ajaccio (Corsica), Brienne-le-Château, Châteauroux, Rambouillet, Nice, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Saint Raphaëlle… details
Partners – The Press
The press, both general and specialised, is echoing the events of the bicentenary of Napoleon’s death through dossiers and special issues. Here are the newspapers and magazines that are part of the “2021 Année Napoléon” label.
BEAUX ARTS MAGAZINE, SPECIAL ISSUE
– Hors-série Napoléon à la grande halle de La Villette (30 April 2021)
CONNAISSANCE DES ARTS, SPECIAL ISSUE
– Hors-série Napoléon à la grande halle de La Villette (April 2021)
LA CROIX and LA CROIX-L’HEBDO
– Napoléon, l’empereur de la com’ (issue 30 April 2021)
LE FIGARO, SPECIAL ISSUE
– Napoléon. L’épopée, le mythe, le procès (March 2021)
HISTORIA, SPECIAL ISSUE
N°58 – Les cent objets qui ont fait Napoléon (March 2021)
LE POINT SPECIAL ISSUE
Napoléon. La grande aventure (December 2020)
MÉMOIRES ET GLOIRE
Mémoires et Gloire n°13 – Napoléon stratège, les grandes victoires ! (2nd trimester 2021)
NAPOLÉON 1er/REVUE DU SOUVENIR NAPOLÉONIEN
– N° 98 – Dossier L’entourage féminin de Napoléon (November 2020)
– N° 99 – Dossier Les aides de camp, au service de la gloire (February 2021)
PARIS MATCH SPECIAL ISSUE
N°16 – La folie Napoléon. La gloire, l’exil, la mort, collection. “À la Une” (February 2021)
SECRETS D’HISTOIRE
N°29 – Napoléon, l’exilé de Sainte-Hélène (February 2021)
