Statue of the Empress Joséphine

The Statue of the Empress Joséphine is a white marble monument located in La Savane in Fort-de-France on the island of Martinique. The work depicts a standing female figure facing the city center and was erected near the Schoelcher Library.

The monument was commissioned under Napoleon III and created by sculptor Gabriel Vital Dubray before being unveiled in 1859. The site later became central to historical debate when it was relocated to its current location in 1974.

The statue bears the name of the former Empress and depicts a standing figure in classical pose overlooking the city center. Today it serves as a place where visitors can reflect on colonial history and its lasting impact.

The monument is located near Rue de la Liberté along the edge of La Savane park and can be easily reached on foot. The site is openly accessible and works well as part of a walk through the park.

The monument lost its head in 1991 through vandalism, an event that persists to this day and transformed it into a symbol of resistance against colonial representation. This missing head often surprises visitors and prompts reflection on how history is interpreted.

Location: Fort-de-France

Inception: 1850s

Architects: Pierre Manguin

Creator: Gabriel-Vital Dubray

Official opening: August 29, 1859

Address: rue de la Liberté

GPS coordinates: 14.60390,-61.06790

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:49