The French royal wardrobe

This book traces the history of the Hotel de la Marine and the metamorphosis of this masterpiece of Parisian heritage, sumptuously revived under the guidance of the Center for National Monuments (Centre des Monuments Nationaux). Restored to its eighteenth-century splendor decorators Joseph Achkar and Michel Charrière, it is an outstanding place of memory whose spirit and poetry have been captured by the photographer Ambroise Tézenas.

An emblematic monument on Place de la Concorde, the Hotel de la Marine is a superb architectural ensemble built in the eighteenth century by Ange Jacques Gabriel, premier architect to Louis XV. Until 1790-before serving as the Ministry of the Navy for more than two centuries - it was home to the Royal Wardrobe (Garde-Meuble Royal), which was in charge of furnishing and decorating the palaces of the monarchy. Forebear to the National Furniture Depository (Mobilier National), this prestigious institution also curated and displayed the royal art collections as well as the famous crown jewels.

Following an exemplary restoration campaign initiated in 2017 by the Center for National Monuments (Centre des Monuments Nationaux), the Hotel de la Marine again reveals all its historical splendor. In scholarly essays and exceptional new photographs, this book explores its history, from the early years to today's rebirth, and its spaces, from ceremonial halls to the private apartments of the administrators of the Royal Wardrobe.