Palais de la Légion d'Honneur, Historical palace and museum on the Left Bank in Paris, France
Description
The Palais de la Légion d'Honneur is a palace and museum on Paris's Left Bank that displays Neoclassical architecture with refined facades and sculptures. Inside, grand rooms and exhibitions showcase medals, decorations, and objects related to the Legion of Honor institution.
History
The building was constructed between 1782 and 1787 as a private mansion for Prince Frederick III of Salm-Kyrburg. Napoleon converted it in 1804 into the headquarters of the newly founded Legion of Honor, transforming its purpose entirely.
Culture
The building's name reflects the Legion of Honor, an award system that Napoleon created and that remains active today. Visitors can see how France has chosen to honor its citizens and military achievements through this institution.
Practical
Access is through guided tours that show official rooms and exhibitions, allowing visitors to explore the interior at a comfortable pace. It is worth checking opening times beforehand to avoid arriving when the building is closed.
Did you know?
Few visitors know that this building's design inspired similar structures around the world, including the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco and Villa Welgelegen in the Netherlands. This spread of influence reveals how French Neoclassical design touched many nations.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Invalides).
Musée d'Orsay
148 m
Gare d'Orsay
70 m
Passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor
177 m
Hôtel de Maisons
205 m
Hôtel Beauharnais
161 m
Musée de la Légion d'honneur
24 m
Hôtel de Seignelay
208 m
Quai Anatole-France
144 m
Rhinoceros
78 m
Hôtel de Pomereu
152 m
Hôtel de Lannion
81 m
Young Trapped Elephant
50 m
Africa
55 m
Horse with Harrow
86 m
North America
52 m
Asia
57 m
Europe
60 m
Oceania
47 m
South America
49 m
Thomas Jefferson
98 m
Might
185 m
Hôtel Collot
266 m
Siège de la Fondation Charles de Gaulle
107 m
Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing
56 m
Kugel Gallery
266 m
Hôtel de Laubespin
149 m
Terrasse du Bord de l'Eau
262 m
Maison des polytechniciens
193 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes