Joséphine and Napoléon. The mansion in the Rue de la Victoire
Exhibition at the Musée des Châteaux de Malmaison et Bois-Préau from 16 October 2013 to 6 January 2014.
This is the story of a "little house", nestled amidst a charming garden, which was built in the heart of the new Chaussée d'Antin district in the late 18th century. It was home to Napoléon and Joséphine during the first four years of their marriage (1796-1799). While Josephine devoted herself to furnishing the house in the latest style, it was here, upon his return from the Egyptian campaign, that Bonaparte planned the coup of 18 Brumaire (1799).
This is also the story of a house now lost to us, one that witnessed many trials and tribulations before it was demolished in 1857 to make way for the Rue de Châteaudun. Through this story the exhibition will explore, or attempt to imagine, at least, the secrets of its inhabitants, and all those who either owned or visited the house. In many respects, the Rue de la Victoire foreshadows the style Josephine was later to adopt at Malmaison.
