Animals & War

Friends, models and emblems for soldiers

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This exhibition highlights the role of animals in war, using a few real-life examples. Animals may be involved in war as soldiers' companions but also as a source of many materials: their meat provides food, while their skin, hair, teeth, bones, etc. have often been used to make soldiers' uniforms, weapons and equipment. Scientists and inventors have taken inspiration from them when designing military equipment. Animals are also used as symbols, for protection or to frighten or mock an adversary, and operations and machines have been named after them.

These themes are illustrated by items from the Musée de l'Armée's rich collections of objects from Prehistoric times to the present day. Where possible, they have a connection with the carved and painted decorations of the Hôtel des Invalides monument.

To put on this exhibition, the Musée de l'Armée drew on its own document archives and collections. The museum also borrowed items from the Library of Congress in Washington.