The national furniture is preparing an exhibition in the spring of 2025, on the occasion of the 200 years of the coronation of Charles X, the last king of France to have been crowned in Reims on May 29, 1825. Many historical pieces and elements of decor of the time will be displayed in the Gallery of Gobelins, in Paris.
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He is the one who returned to the tradition of the coronation in Reims. On May 29, 1825, Charles-Philippe de France, count of Artois, became Charles X, the 68th king of France. His coronation in the cathedral of Reims, marks the return of a king attached to the values of the old regime.
Two centuries later, this ultimate coronation in the angels cathedral will be commemorated from April 11 to July 20, 2025 included. It is the brand new national furniture, founded in 2022, which will be the support of this exhibition which mixes 3D and reconstituted decorations.
From April 11, visitors will stroll through the aisles of national furniture, at Gobelins in Paris, on nearly 800 m2, through eight rooms, to understand and admire the coronation of Charles X.
Among the great craftsmen of this heritage project, there is Hélène Cavalié. On the phone, the assistant director of national furniture collections seems very enthusiastic. “”We recommend all the Rémois to come!“She exclaims. And for good reason, the exhibition is as immersive as possible.”She will first show behind the scenes of the preparations for the coronation of Charles X (the last one that takes place in the cathedral of Reims, editor's note)with for example horses harnessed to a coach. We will also go to the wardrobe of the crown, which is quite sumptuous“.
Many decorative elements will be displayed during the exhibition, like this embroidered tunic.
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© Mobilier National
The Palais du Tau, well known to the Rémois and currently under construction, will also be reconstructed thanks to 3D. “”At the time, the architect François Mazois completely renovated him for the coronation of Charles X. This is what we will show“Explains Hélène Cavalié. The building adjoining the Rémoise cathedral will also be the place of the post-co-leaving feast.
We will redo two arcades of the cathedral of Reims thanks to paintings on canvas of the time. We will really feel like we are there, with all the sets, chandeliers, etc.
Hélène CavaliéDeputy Director of Collections with National Mobilier in Paris
Then you will have to climb upstairs, to follow “hour by hour“The coronation ceremony,”First in the treasure room“, and then in the cathedral with the costumed characters.”The idea is to put visitors in the mood with period costumes, loaned by private collectors“She says.
-Painting of an essential step in the coronation of Charles X: anointing.
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© Mobilier National
In the lair of the false cathedral, the exhibition promises a dive into the heart of the event. Two centuries ago, it was Pierre Luc Charles Cicéri, painter and chief decorator of the Paris Opera, who had entirely contributed to magnifying the building. In 2025, his “successor”, Pasquale Mascoli, member of the Queen de Versailles Theater Brigade and working for film sets, mobilized his talents. “”We will redo two arcades of the cathedral of Reims thanks to paintings on canvas of the time. We will really feel like we are there, with all the sets, chandeliers, etc.“Details Hélène Cavalié.
A workforce of enthusiasts, evidenced by the presence of Renaud Serrette, the art historian, “who participated in the reconstruction of the canopies (work of wood or fabric which extends over an altar, a pulpit or a bed, editor's note).
Objects by hundreds that we will not reveal to you completely to maintain the surprise. “”In any case, we will do our best for you to live the event as two centuries ago. For example, it will be possible to buy souvenirs as did the Rémois and the Parisians at the time after the coronation: plates, scarves, smokers“Lists the assistant director, who is delighted to be able to attract”The young generation“Thanks to an interactive reconstruction.
This chair was part of the decor during the coronation of Charles X, in 1825.
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© Mobilier National
“The cathedral looked like an opera during the coronations, with several stands on two levels“Said Patrick Demouy.
The historian of Reims, specialist in the coronations, knows a radius on the crowns. That of Charles X takes on a very particular character. “”It is a coronation that is fifty years after that of his brother, Louis XVI, with a deep political break. Charles X is anxious to reconnect with the substance of the traditional coronation and its essential stages: the oath, the anointing, the delivery of the insignia including the crown, and the enthronement“He continues.
At the time, Charles X consider a society that is transformed, at the dawn of the industrial revolution. “”After his coronation, Charles X went to visit a big bazaar of Boulingrin, which presented the products of the local manufacture“, Reims being at the time one of the textile epicentres in France.
Charles X is anxious to reconnect with the substance of the traditional coronation and its essential stages: the oath, the anointing, the delivery of the insignia including the crown, and the enthronement
Patrick DemouyHistorian specialist in coronations
The coronation itself has also been redesigned. “”He tried to balance by taking up the codes of the old regime, but adapting it to new times. The ceremony and prayers were shortened. We also see a good number of marshals of empire during the coronation, but also deputies, mayors, presidents of general councils, and magistrates. In short, the new France “.
