Fondation Dosne-Thiers

The Fondation Dosne-Thiers is a research library and museum in the 9th arrondissement housed in a protected historic mansion at Place Saint-Georges. The building contains books, manuscripts, prints, and drawings focusing on French history between 1789 and 1900.

The building was constructed in 1873 by architect Alfred-Philibert Aldrophe, replacing an earlier mansion destroyed during the Paris Commune. The foundation was later established to preserve personal collections for French historical research and make them accessible for scholarly purposes.

The foundation preserves extensive collections related to the French Revolution and First Empire, shaping how people understand these transformative periods. Visitors can see how these materials are organized in display areas and research spaces, reflecting their importance to French historical awareness.

Visitors should arrange access in advance since the site operates primarily for research purposes with limited visiting hours. The location is in a quiet residential area with good public transportation connections, and planning your visit ahead ensures you can access the collections and exhibition areas.

The foundation holds one of the world's largest collections dedicated to the First French Empire, assembled by historian Frederic Masson. This collection offers insights into an often-overlooked perspective on Napoleon's era that extends beyond familiar military narratives.