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Napoleonic
Museum
Museums and Art Galleries - City of Havana Regions of Cuba - Travel Guide Even though we are located thousands of kilometers from France, it is our privilege to feature one of the most complete collections of objects, weapons, works of art and personal belongings that were once the property of Napoleon Bonaparte or played a role during his life and times. This rich collection, acquired over the years by a wealthy Cuban political figure, Orestes Ferrara, at multi-million-dollar auctions in Europe and the United States, became part of the National Heritage in 1960. One year later, the collection, showcased in the beautiful Florentine Renaissance style Ferrara mansion located near Havana University, was exhibited for the public. The exhibit halls are organized according to a chronology of the political and military events relating to the life of "The Great Corsican," beginning with the end of the Bourbon monarchy and spanning Napoleon's ascent to power, the splendor of the Empire, his abdication and withdrawal to Elba, the return, Waterloo and exile in Saint Helena. The objects on diplay, as well as the furnishings and decor (all in keeping with the changing fashions of the bourgeoisie in economically buoyant France) simply exude a feeling of history. The monumental painting of "Bonaparte in the Bois de Boulogne," by Jean Baptiste Regnault, is exhibited together with ebony furniture and weapons in the Hall of the First Empire. Two other paintings, "The Return from the Island of Elba "and the Battle of Waterloo", are also on display. The pistols Bonaparte carried at the battle of Borodino, the hat and spy glass he used in Saint Helena, and a unique piece, his death mask, brought to Cuba by Dr. Francesco Antommarchi, the doctor who looked after him to the end, are also part of the museum's priceless collection. Collections:
Open:
Updated August
20, 2000
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