After years of restoration, the Hôtel de la Marine, an iconic monument on Paris's Place de la Concorde, has now opened its doors to the public. This is a major milestone in the long life of this splendid architectural ensemble, built in the 18th century by Ange Jacques Gabriel, the king's chief architect. It is also an exceptional occasion for Parisians, and for all lovers of Paris, who now have access to this prestigious building. Located in the city's heart, it housed the royal Garde-Meuble (furniture depository) until 1798, then for more than 200 years was the seat of the Marine, the French Naval Affairs Ministry. Transferred to the Centre des Monuments Nationaux after the naval staff left, the building underwent a vast restoration project starting in 2017. Today, at its conclusion, visitors can discover a great palace of the Age of Enlightenment, at once authentic and modern. The Hôtel de la Marine now includes a museum section housing the 19th-century reception rooms and apartment of the Garde Meuble's intendant, restored to their original state; a vast exhibition room devoted to the private Al Thani art collection; and a memorial area containing the Marine Academy headquarters and the Foundation for the Memory of Slavery. Finally, the Hôtel de la Marine, a palace of the Enlightenment but also a contemporary palace, wide open to its urban environment, offers visitors spaces for exchange and conviviality.
Notice biographique :
Alexandre Gady is professor of the History of modern art at the Sorbonne University and of the History of architecture at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. He also heads the Mission de Préfiguration for the planned Musée du Grand Siècle in Saint-Cloud, a project of the Hauts-de-Seine Département.
