At 2 Place de la Concorde, the Hôtel de la Marine is an 18th-century palace turned museum, with restored reception rooms, decorated bedrooms and views across the square. It first housed the royal Garde-Meuble, which managed the king’s furnishings and treasures, then became the headquarters of the French Navy. Explore the rooms with an audio guide and interactive tablet; in the ballroom, a dedicated screen traces the history of Place de la Concorde. The museum opened to the public in 2021.
From royal furniture store to Navy headquarters
The Hôtel de la Marine was designed in the 18th century by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the king’s chief architect. Its first role was as the Garde-Meuble Royal, the institution responsible for keeping and supplying furnishings for the king’s palaces. The collection included furniture, tapestries, weapons, armour and crown jewels.
The building’s function changed after its royal use. It became the headquarters of the French Navy, which occupied it for about 200 years. The palace reopened to the public as a museum in 2021, giving visitors access to rooms that had served both royal and naval purposes.
The restored rooms and their details
The museum’s restored state rooms are furnished with antiques and decorated with paintings and tapestries. Their gilded interiors give a sense of the building’s formal role, while the bedrooms have richly decorated furnishings. Two rooms have mirrored walls and elaborate decoration.
The palace’s classical-style loggia and colonnade run along the building and look out over Place de la Concorde. From here, the view takes in the square, the Tuileries and the Assemblée Nationale beyond. Some of the state rooms also face the square, with views that extend towards the Eiffel Tower.
How to explore the museum
An audio guide accompanies the visit with historical narration, and interactive tablets provide additional information as you move through the rooms. The audio experience is available in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.
The ballroom is a useful place to pause: a dedicated screen presents the history of Place de la Concorde. The square was once called Place Louis XV and had an equestrian statue of the king, which was removed during the Revolution. The museum’s digital interpretation links the building’s history with the public space just outside.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Hôtel de la Marine?
It is at 2 Place de la Concorde in Paris, near Rue Royale.
When did the Hôtel de la Marine open as a museum?
It opened to the public in 2021.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes. The audio guide is available in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.
Can you see Place de la Concorde from inside?
Yes. The loggia and colonnade look over the square, and some state rooms also have views across it.
