Musée des Plans-Reliefs, Model museum in the 7th arrondissement of 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 first model made after Louvois founded the collection in 1668 was Dunkerque, soon followed by Ath and the citadel of Lille. From 1794 the collection was opened to the public for one month each year, a practice that continued until 1914. The scale was fixed at one foot to 100 toises, about 1/600.
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,642 contributors worldwide.
