Napoleonic Museum

The Napoleon Museum in Rome, located in the historic Palazzo Primoli in Piazza di Ponte Umberto I, offers a fascinating journey into the life and legacy of the Bonaparte family, thanks to the collection donated in 1927 by Giuseppe Primoli, a direct descendant of Luciano Bonaparte, the rebellious brother of Napoleon. Giuseppe Primoli, born in Rome in 1851 to Carlotta Bonaparte and Pietro Primoli, spent much of his youth between Rome and Paris, in close contact with European courts and the literary and artistic salons of the time. This cultural environment deeply influenced his education and his passion for collecting objects related to the history of his family. His collection includes a wide range of artworks, historical artifacts, personal items, and memorabilia that document not only the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, but also the daily life of his family and their connection to Rome. The museum is organized into ten rooms, each of which recreates the atmosphere of a residence of the time, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the private life of the Bonapartes. The visit begins with a series of portraits and sculptures that evoke the figure of Napoleon, including paintings by artists such as Jacques-Louis David and François Gérard. Among the most interesting pieces is a snuffbox that belonged to Louis XVIII, found by Napoleon upon his return from Elba and brought with him to Saint Helena. The following rooms are dedicated to various members of the Bonaparte family. A particularly evocative room is dedicated to the King of Rome, Napoleon’s son, which houses objects from the Prokesch-Osten collection, a friend of the Duke of Reichstadt. Prud’hon’s allegorical drawings celebrate the birth of the young king, adding a touch of romanticism to the family’s story. The exhibition continues with rooms dedicated to Pauline, Joseph, Caroline, and Joachim Murat, enriched with portraits and personal items that offer an intimate look into their lives. Of particular note is the room displaying furniture and artworks from Matilde Bonaparte’s Parisian residence, including a collection of prints, miniatures, and commemorative medals that illustrate the economic prosperity of the Second Empire. The museum culminates with two full-length portraits of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, painted by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, and a statue of the imperial prince sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. These works, along with the numerous objects on display, offer a comprehensive and detailed view of the life and legacy of the Bonapartes, highlighting both the triumphs and tragedies of the family.