Exhibition

Like a foreign head of state, the visitor discovers the military ceremonial that takes place during
a visit to the Élysée Palace. When the President of the Republic, Head of the Armed Forces receives a high-ranking guest at the Élysée Palace, military honours are paid to him by
cavalrymen, infantrymen and musicians of the Republican Guard in full-service outfit.

A multimedia display shows the different types of honours paid to guests. The public is greeted
by the tunics of cavalrymen and infantryman of the Republican Guard as they are dressed for
the welcoming ceremony. This republican protocol is inseparable from symbols of the Republic, such as the Marseillaise and the tricolour flag. In the same way as the Marianne, or the French motto these symbols are explained in the introduction to the exhibition.

When you push the doors of the Maison Élysée, you will discover a place that combines republican tradition and contemporary creation, through exceptional objects and works selected to reflect the unique atmosphere of the Élysée Palace! 

The National Manufacture, which is responsible for preserving France's furniture heritage, has contributed its expertise in selecting pieces from its collections that illustrate the history and day-to-day life of the Presidency, while highlighting French craftsmanship and artistic excellence. The major piece of the exhibition is a reconstruction of the Salon doré, the President's office throughout the Fifth Republic. The centrepiece of this reconstruction is the original Louis XV desk made in 1740 by Charles Cressent

The exhibition includes examples of the Elysée Palace’s artistic commissions, from the one placed by President Georges Pompidou to the designer Pierre Paulin in 1972, to the new Cabinet’s reunion’s table designed by students from Ensaama school.

La Maison Élysée takes a behind-the-scenes look at the palace and the many jobs that keep it running on a daily basis. Through videos and portraits, visitors discover the men and women who contribute on a daily basis to the running of this place. From housekeeping to the Republican Guard, each function is illustrated to reveal the extraordinary diversity and commitment of the teams working at the Élysée Palace.

The exhibition focuses on the art of hosting guests at the President's table, with a presentation of the finest items kept by the treasurers of the Élysée Palace. Visitors can follow the setting of tables and the preparation of dishes by the chef in the Palace's ‘great kitchens’, installed in the basement during the 20th century and recently restored.

The Maison Élysée will offer a lively programme, highlighting those various skills.

The history of the Élysée Palace goes back to more than 300 years ago, and is illustrated by plans and portraits of its successive owners.

A touch screen also allows visitors to take a virtual tour of the rooms in the Hôtel d'Évreux, with anecdotes about the history of the Palace and its architecture.

In a room equipped with 3D technology, you are invited to travel through time on a journey tracing the evolution of the Élysée Palace from 1722 to the present day. This immersive journey, guided by the voice of Stéphane Bern, allows you to experience the architectural evolution of the Palace and its gardens, offering a new perspective on this historic monument.

Explore the library, a veritable cabinet of curiosities displaying a collection of diplomatic gifts given and received by President Emmanuel Macron over the years. 

Each gift tells a unique story. Whether an artwork, a shared skill or an emblematic souvenir, these items illustrate the subtle art of diplomacy. They embody the cultural exchanges and links forged between France and other nations, reflecting the values of friendship and mutual cooperation.

Free guided tours for adults are offered from Tuesday to Friday. These tours, conducted in French, can accommodate up to 15 people.

To complement the guided experience, a discovery booklet is available for children to spark their curiosity and accompany them as they explore the museum.