The bicentenary of the coronation of Charles X, the last king crowned in Reims, recreated in the Parisian Gobelins gallery

The Mobilier national is preparing an exhibition in spring 2025, on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the coronation of Charles period will be displayed in the Gobelins gallery, in Paris.

He is the one who revived the tradition of the coronation in Reims. On May 29, 1825, Charles-Philippe of France, Count of Artois, became Charles X, the 68th king of France. His coronation in Reims Cathedral marks the return of a king attached to the values ​​of the Ancien Régime.

Two centuries later, this final coronation in the Cathedral of the Angels will be commemorated from April 11 to July 20, 2025 inclusive. It is the brand new Mobilier national, founded in 2022, which will support this exhibition which combines 3D and reconstructed decors.

From April 11, visitors will stroll through the aisles of the Mobilier national, at Gobelins in Paris, over nearly 800 m2, through eight rooms, to understand and admire the coronation of Charles X.

Among the great architects of this heritage project, there is Hélène Cavalié. On the phone, the deputy director of collections at Mobilier national seems very enthusiastic. “We recommend that all Rémois residents come!” she exclaims. And for good reason, the exhibition aims to be as immersive as possible. “She will first show behind the scenes of the preparations for the coronation of Charles (the last one which takes place in Reims Cathedral, Editor’s note)with for example horses harnessed to a carriage. We will also go to the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne, which is quite sumptuous“.

The Palais du Tau, well known to the people of Rémois and currently under construction, will also be reconstructed using 3D. “At the time, the architect François Mazois completely renovated it for the coronation of Charles X. This is what we will show” explains Hélène Cavalié. The building adjoining the Reims cathedral will also be the location of the post-coronation feast.

We are going to redo two arcades of Reims Cathedral using paintings on canvas from the period. You'll really feel like you're there, with all the decor, chandeliers, etc.

Hélène Cavalié

Deputy Director of Collections at Mobilier national de 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.

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 entirely contributed to magnifying the building. In 2025, his “successor”, Pasquale Mascoli, member of the Queen of Versailles Theater Brigade and working on film sets, mobilized his talents. “We are going to redo two arcades of Reims Cathedral using paintings on canvas from the period. You'll really feel like you're there, with all the decor, chandeliers, etc.” explains Hélène Cavalié.

A group of enthusiasts, as evidenced by the presence of Renaud Serrette, the art historian, “who participated in the reconstitution of the canopies (work of wood or fabric which extends above an altar, a pulpit or a bed, Editor's note).

Hundreds of objects that will not be completely revealed to you to maintain the surprise. “In any case, we will do our best to ensure that you experience the event as it did two centuries ago. For example, it will be possible to buy souvenirs as the Rémois and Parisians did at the time after the coronation: plates, scarves, snuff boxes.” lists the deputy director, who is delighted to be able to attract “the younger generation” thanks to an interactive reconstruction.

“The cathedral looked like an opera during the coronations, with several stands on two levels” says Patrick Demouy.

The historian of Reims, specialist in coronations, knows a lot about coronations. That of Charles X takes on a very particular character. “It was a coronation that took place fifty years after that of his brother, Louis XVI, with a profound political rupture. Charles” he continues.

At the time, Charles X considered a society that was transforming, at the dawn of the industrial revolution. “After his coronation, Charles“, Reims being at the time one of the epicenters of textiles in France.

Charles

Patrick Demouy

Historian specializing in coronations

The coronation itself has also been redesigned. “He tried to balance by taking up the codes of the Ancien Régime, but adapting them to new times. The ceremony and prayers were shortened. We also see a good number of imperial marshals appear during the coronation, but also deputies, mayors, presidents of general councils, and magistrates. In short, the new France”.