When I heard we were going to this museum, the military history nerd side of myself was ecstatic. However, I didn’t realize just how impressive this museum would be, regarding the layout, timeline covered, and the geography of their collection. Starting the museum with medieval weaponry and armor was stunning to look at. The sheer amount of detail was almost unbelievable in some of these weapons and armor. In particular, the helmets were so amazing to look at. Seeing the sharp point of the Bascinet, such an iconic helmet. I also thoroughly enjoyed the wacky prototypes that never found real use, but were so odd they immediately caught my attention.
The most exciting exhibit initially during the tour was the years leading up to WW1. Witnessing the shift in real time of equipment becoming more modern and seeing the industrialisation of war was amazing. The uniforms of this period, especially the Franco-Prussian War, blew me away. I could see that globally uniforms were influencing each other, and there were many similarities between US and European uniforms.
The different types of equipment for different occasions and campaigns amazed me. All the work that was put into these uniforms and the way the command would create adaptations for surplus based on needs was so cool.
By far, however, my favorite part of the museum was the exhibit on scale miniatures. The hobby has been a longstanding undertaking of mine since a very young age, and I found the historical presence of the miniatures spectacular to look at. There were so many details that it was hard to process. The room ranged in the history of miniature production.
Surrounded by the rank and file of the armies was a sight to see. Every miniature had its story, held depth and emotion.
The range of history in the museum expresses the sheer amount of war France has faced as a country. The museum also illustrated the actors involved in orchestrating violence and the complicated history of France as a military power. Of the museums visited, I found the display of the exhibits and items the most captivating. The experience was mesmerizing and intimate.