Establishment of the School of Application 1850 (≈ 1850)
Foundation in Val-de-Grâce of the health service.
5 mai 1916
Establishment circular
Establishment circular 5 mai 1916 (≈ 1916)
Officialization of the museum by decree.
1986
Open to the public
Open to the public 1986 (≈ 1986)
Expanded access after 70 years.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
René Nicolas Dufriche, baron Desgenettes - Military doctor
Portrait exhibited, painted in 1828.
Horace Vernet - Painter
Author of the portrait of Desgenettes.
Origin and history
The Musée du Service de santé des Armées was founded in 1916 in Val-de-Grâce, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Although archives mention the previous existence of a natural history cabinet for students, it is the circular of May 5, 1916 that formalizes its creation. This museum is a continuation of the School of Military Health, established on the same site in 1850.
Its collections cover the missions of the military health service, military uniforms, hygiene and prevention practices. Among the notable pieces is the portrait of René Nicolas Dufriche, Baron Desgenettes, a military doctor painted by Horace Vernet in 1828. The museum, originally reserved for a specialized audience, opened its doors to the general public in 1986.
Val-de-Grâce, emblematic of French military medicine, is home to a unique heritage linked to the evolution of military care. The objects exhibited illustrate both the technical progress and the outstanding figures of this history, as evidenced by the presence of works of art and archival documents.
