The American Season
To mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Army Museum is offering a rich cultural program that traces the historical ties between France and the United States
Born out of France’s military intervention in the struggle for independence, the Franco-American friendship is embodied by the Marquis de La Fayette and his relationship with George Washington, commander of the Continental Army. This event marked the beginning of a long-standing military and political alliance that continued into the 20th century with the United States’ involvement in both World Wars. Through two new exhibitions, the Army Museum’s American season highlights key figures, artifacts, and events that have shaped the friendship between the two countries.
Exhibition: Figures of Franco-American Friendship
This exhibition, held under the arcades of the main courtyard, traces the intersecting paths of 16 French and American figures, paying tribute to those who worked to foster diplomatic friendship or a strong military alliance. Among them are the Marquis de La Fayette, Jérôme-Napoléon Bonaparte, Georges Clemenceau, Joseph Joffre, Alexander Calder, and Joséphine Baker.
Practical information:
Information panels freely accessible on the pillars of the main courtyard of Les Invalides.
Exhibition: From the Marquis to the Lafayette Task Force
In 1777, a young French officer, the Marquis de Lafayette, arrived in South Carolina to join the American rebels fighting against the United Kingdom. In 2009, a brigade of the French armed forces was named “Task Force Lafayette,” highlighting the officer’s importance in France’s military history. This exhibition features some thirty objects from the collections of the Army Museum, which bear witness to the strong bond between France and the United States since the American Revolution.
Practical information:
Exhibition in the Valenciennes Corridor; admission included with the museum’s general admission ticket.
Movies
A four-film series explores the turbulent birth of the United States of America by tracing the fates of settlers and soldiers grappling with the complexities of the conflict, showing how this founding narrative continues to inspire adventure and discovery.
- Thursday, September 10, 7:30 p.m.: Drums Along the Mohawk – John Ford, 1939
- Thursday, September 17, 7:30 p.m.: Revolution – Hugh Hudson, 1985
- Friday, October 2, 7:30 p.m.: The Patriot – Roland Emmerich, 2000
- Wednesday, October 21, 3:00 p.m.: National Treasure – Jon Turteltaub, 2004 (screening for young audiences)