Musée des Plans-Reliefs, Military model museum at Les Invalides, Paris, France
The Musée des Plans-Reliefs displays hand-crafted three-dimensional models of fortified cities and military sites built across several centuries. Each model shows topographic details like streets, walls, and terrain to represent locations as they were.
The collection started in 1668 when King Louis XIV's minister of war commissioned these models to help with military planning. Production continued and expanded for more than two centuries as new fortifications were designed and built.
The collection reveals how French military leaders studied and understood fortified cities. These models served as practical tools that generals used to plan campaigns and understand defensive layouts.
The museum is located within the Hôtel des Invalides complex and accessible with stairs and elevators between exhibition areas. Wear comfortable shoes since the models are spread across multiple levels and the walk through the collection covers several floors.
Some of the oldest models were crafted by hand in the 17th century using wood and other materials and remain remarkably detailed. The craftsmanship of these early pieces shows the care French engineers took with every aspect of their work.
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