Hotel de la Marine (Navy Hotel), Paris

The Navy Hotel (Hôtel de la Marine), also known as the Hôtel du Garde-Meuble, is a historic building situated on the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It occupies a prominent location to the east of Rue Royale and was designed by the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel. Construction of the building took place between 1757 and 1774, coinciding with the creation of the square, initially named Place Louis XV. Interestingly, an identical building was erected on the western side of the square during the same period, which now houses the prestigious Hôtel de Crillon and the Automobile Club of France.

Originally, the Hôtel de la Marine served as the residence of the royal Garde-Meuble, an office responsible for managing the furnishings of all royal properties. However, following the French Revolution, its purpose changed, and it became the Ministry of the French Navy. The French Navy occupied the building until 2015.

Between 2015 and 2021, the Hôtel de la Marine underwent an extensive renovation project. As a result, it has been restored to its former glory and now showcases various aspects of its rich history. Visitors can explore the 18th-century apartments of Marc-Antoine Thierry de Ville-d'Avray, who served as the King's Intendant of the Garde-Meuble. These restored apartments provide a glimpse into the opulent living quarters of the time.

A separate part of the Hôtel de la Marine houses the Al Thani Collection, which presents a remarkable selection of international and inter-cultural works of art from the collection of Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani. This exhibition adds a contemporary touch to the building's historical ambiance, showcasing a diverse range of art pieces from different cultures and periods.