"Just as a vaccine works by teaching the immune system how to fight a disease, can recounting war not contribute to soothing memories and looking together towards international peace?" asked Henry de Medlege, Director of the Musée de l'Armée in France, during the Fourth Dialogue of the China-Europe-America Museums Cooperation Initiative. This thought-provoking question underscores the unique mission of military museums, distinct from traditional art museums.

Full Speech by Henry de Medlege

Located in the heart of Paris within Les Invalides, the Musée de l'Armée is one of the world's foremost military history museums. Since 1840, it has been the resting place of the great military leader and emperor, Napoleon I. Here, Napoleon's legend, the solemnity of Saint-Louis des Invalides Cathedral, and the Dôme Church's commemoration of military glory coexist. This museum, steeped in military memory and honor, also aims to build bridges between civilizations. War and peace are not opposing concepts here, but food for thought.

The Dôme Church, which became a memorial to military glory after the French Revolution, is also the resting place of Napoleon I.

Bonds of Memory

Entering the Musée de l'Armée, visitors can follow a unique tour route that features digital documentation, films, and photography instead of traditional exhibits. This path immerses them in the life of General Charles de Gaulle as a soldier, writer, and national leader. Reflecting on his life also reminds visitors of the bonds forged between nations in adversity, particularly the historical moments of Sino-French relations.

On January 27, 1964, General de Gaulle became the first Western leader to recognize the People's Republic of China. These events are vividly displayed in the Historial Charles de Gaulle. "Here, the renewed Franco-Chinese relations during the Cold War are evoked, allowing a step towards reducing international tensions through simple and direct relations between powers." Thus, historical museums can reenact past meetings to promote current relationships.

The Historial Charles de Gaulle, featuring a multimedia presentation of General de Gaulle’s political and personal life.

A Constant Reminder

The Musée de l'Armée attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually, three-quarters of whom are international tourists. When people from countries that once clashed with France visit, jointly viewing the same exhibits becomes a way to confront history. For instance, visitors from Germany and France, nations with a history of conflict, can stand side by side in peacetime, viewing artifacts with a fresh perspective. These war relics, recounting past conflicts, serve as a stark reminder of war's brutality, thus promoting reconciliation.

Memorial halls in the Musée de l'Armée, which presents the history of the French military from 1871 to 1945 and the two world wars of the 20th century.

Merging History and Innovation

Looking ahead, General de Medlege believes that the challenge for history museums is to embrace modern communication tools. With 30% of the museum's visitors under the age of 25, engaging the youth, the future guardians of memory, requires innovative methods like artificial intelligence and the metaverse. These technologies offer new immersive and remote experiences, ensuring historical information is accurately and comprehensively conveyed, preventing misinterpretation or distortion. "This is a challenge that goes beyond the world of the museums."

As early as 2015, the Musée de l'Armée developed an interactive guide for the Dôme Church, using augmented reality and interactive tour routes to allow visitors to explore freely with added fun and engagement, including a "youth version" of the tour.

A REGAL SITE

In late February this year, the Musée de l'Armée hosted China's Foreign Minister, followed by a grand military welcome for the Chinese President in the Cour d'Honneur on May 6. As a place of memory and celebration, the museum continues the 60-year friendship between France and China.

The Cour d'Honneur, located on the north side of Les Invalides, houses 70 beautifully crafted bronze cannons and is a key venue for military ceremonies, such as welcoming foreign heads of state, military retirements, and memorial services for fallen soldiers.