Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The museum of the French Revolution is housed in the castle of Vizille in Isère, a building full of history. Inaugurated on 13 July 1984 on the occasion of the commemorations of the bicentenary of the Revolution, it occupies a symbolic place: the room of the palm game where, on 21 July 1788, the general states of the Dauphiné met, prelude to the upheavals of 1789. This castle, formerly owned by the Dukes of Lesdiguières and then by the Perier, was also the residence of the Presidents of the Republic until 1972.

The museum is distinguished by its unique collections, including iconic paintings such as The French Republic by Jean-Baptiste Wicar (1793), the first known representation of the Republic, or The Painter David drawing Marie-Antoinette led to Van den Bussche's torture. It also preserves historical objects such as Bastille stones, swords of the National Guard, and busts of revolutionary figures such as Robespierre, Danton or Mirabeau. Its documentation centre Albert-Soboul, rich in 27,000 titles, makes it a global reference for researchers.

The castle itself, built between 1600 and 1619 by François de Bonne de Lesdiguières, experienced several fires (1825, 1865) that altered its architecture, including the destruction of the battle gallery. Repurchased by the State in 1924, it became a place of memory after 1983, under the impetus of the Isère General Council. The museum organizes annual temporary exhibitions and international symposia, strengthening its cultural outreach.

The Vizille estate, classified as a remarkable garden, extends over 100 hectares and has been a wildlife reserve since 1978. Turned into a romantic park in the 19th century by Adolphe Perier, it preserves historical elements such as the large canal and cavalier aisles. The museum, which has been free of charge since 2003, attracts a varied audience, while the estate welcomes more than 800,000 visitors per year.

Among the flagship works are Capet, get up!D'Émile Mascré (1835), illustrating the awakening of the dolphin Louis XVII in prison, or The Death of Marat (copy of David's workshop). The museum regularly acquires new pieces, as in 2016 The French Republic of Wicar, found in Italy. His museum journey, spread over five levels, explores various themes: human rights, daily life during the Revolution, or his artistic heritage in the 19th century.

The museum has a strong link with local history, notably through the Vizille assembly of 1788, often considered a prelude to the Revolution. Characters such as Antoine Barnave and Jean-Joseph Mounier, Dauphinese lawyers present at this assembly, are highlighted. The site, marked by events such as Napoleon's visit in 1815 or Pope Pius VI's visit in 1799, embodies both an architectural heritage and a living revolutionary memory.

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