The seller behind the greatest real estate deal in American history — the Louisiana Purchase — which doubled the size of the country at a cost of $15 million, or approximately four cents per acre, Napoléon Bonaparte (1769-1821) remains an undeniably powerful and enigmatic figure in world history. NAPOLÉON offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the private life of the Emperor of France and to see beyond the legend to gain an understanding of this complex political leader whose actions reshaped the landscape of Europe and America.

Created from the extraordinary collection of First Empire authority and author, Pierre-Jean Chalençon, NAPOLÉON features more than 300 objects from the First Empire of Napoléon Bonaparte, including original framed paintings, sculptures, personal effects, prints, and documents, as well as furniture from the Imperial palaces. Highlights include:

• The earliest known letter in Napoléon’s hand, written at age 14


• A lock of hair from Napoléon’s wife, Empress Josephine Bonaparte


• The sword that proclaimed Napoléon Emperor in the Coronation Ceremony at Notre Dame


• One of Napoléon’s signature hats worn during the battle at Essling in 1809


• Napoléon’s camp bed from the Battle of Wagram


• Napoléon’s personal map of the French Empire at its zenith in 1812


• In his own hand, the first will Napoléon wrote during his final exile on the island of St. Helena


• Napoléon’s monogrammed shirt and long johns worn shortly before his death

The exhibition also showcases connections between Napoléon and the United States. The correlations are highlighted in artifact displays, such as the valise that contained the signed Louisiana Purchase documents from America and a book on the American Revolution from Napoléon’s exile on the island of St. Helena. Additionally, text panels chronicle the influence of the American Revolution on the French Revolution, Napoléon’s admiration for George Washington, the impact of the Louisiana Purchase, the First Empire style used by President James Monroe to redecorate the White House, and Joseph Bonaparte’s (Napoleon’s brother) time in Philadelphia and Bordentown, New Jersey, among other connections.

The Wall Street Journal says
“With artifacts of astonishing intimacy and power . . . “Napoleon” traces a classic narrative of rise and fall.”


Montgomery County News says
“[Napoleon] allows us to experience what the world has to offer right in our own backyard.”


South Jersey Life says
“‘Napoleon’ … offers plenty of historical eye candy that serves to educate about the "comparative constitutions" of France and the United States”

The exhibition is produced and distributed by Exhibits Development Group in cooperation with Cultural Arts Entertainment Group.
All Images © Photo12.com – Pierre-Jean Chalençon.