A Visit to Hôtel de la Marine

Recently I had the opportunity to visit the newly re-opened Hôtel de la Marine, an 18th-century building of immense cultural importance, on the Place de la Concorde. After a monumental restoration project that took over three years, at last this architectural and historic gem is open to the public. (In French “hôtel” can mean a mansion, residence, hall or office.)

The building has a storied past. Originally, it was the home of the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne, the institution in charge of purchasing, maintaining and supplying the king’s furniture to all royal residences, including Versailles, Fontainebleu and many others. It was also responsible for conserving royal collections of weapons, fabrics, and Crown diamonds. As such, and due to its proximity to the Place, it was the target of several high-profile raids from revolutionaries.

After the revolution, France’s naval ministry called it home for over 200 years, hence the current name.

It’s quite impossible to fully capture the grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship of the reception rooms and apartments. Every single intricate inch of carved, gilded and painted decorative details has been meticulously restored.

One can’t help feeling like royalty and imagine twirling and dancing under these chandeliers.

The guided audio tour brings the spaces to life with music, dialogue and fascinating anecdotes. The Centre des Monuments Nationaux has created a truly one-of-a-kind experience and their work, along with that of many other entities in France, ensures that these treasures of French heritage are preserved to be appreciated for generations to come.

The dining room tableau recreates a meal in the most charming of decorated spaces. Below, close-ups of decorative details.

Complimenting lavish amounts of gold, blue in varying shades is the predominant accent color, in reference to the building’s naval connections.

This ceiling detail in one of the reception rooms truly takes one’s breath away.

One of the largest chandeliers you might ever see!

This golden hallway positively shimmers in the illuminating window light. (See the fine art print here)

Above, another incredible ceiling detail. (See the fine art print here.)

Below, at the end of the tour, the dramatic loggia on the first floor overlooks Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower. The checkered floor and varying shades of marble and golden stone give it tremendous depth.

 

(see the fine art print here.)

I have already visited Hôtel de la Marine twice and look forward to going again soon. Be sure to put this on your must-see list when you travel to Paris. The gift shop is a treat and a beautiful restaurant is also now open below the loggia. But best of all, you can travel back to the 18th century, surrounded by opulence and astonishing beauty.

À bientôt!

 

Hôtel de la Marine
2 Place de la Concorde
Paris, France 75008

Website

Open daily from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm (10:00 pm Fridays)
The inner courtyard is open until midnight.