The tour-workshops at the Napoleonic Museum look at history from many angles, studying items which bear testimony to those who used them, their political leanings, how they thought and their level of aesthetic taste.

The site
The Napoleonic Museum is situated in an ancient battery which controlled one of the access points of the beach in Golfe Juan where Napoleon landed during his Hundred Days. It comprises the Graillon Tower, from where the distant Mercantour and Esterel can be seen. Beautiful gardens with mediterranean plants surround the museum.

The collections
Gathered from two private Napoleon Bonaparte collections, there are a large number of sculptures and etchings donated by the Picasso Museum which give the satyrists’ view of the Hundred Days. The large number of model soldiers and arms show clearly the military aspect of this turning point in the history of France, and details of civilian life also feature:everyday items complete the vision of life under the reign of Napoleon 1st.

Discovery workshops
Level cycle III
Tuesday and Thursday 14.00 to 16.00
Friday 9.00 to 11.00
Duration 1 hour 45 minutes minimum
Each session is organised around a theme chosen in close collaboration with a teacher, and the tour is based on exchange of ideas and close scrutiny, followedby a creative workshop.

The following themes may be used in Discovery Workshops:

Images of Napoleon, from official propaganda to political satire.
There is a vast range of images of Napoleon Bonaparte at the museum, commissioned works to forge the idea of the emperor with concise symbolism: battle chief or Roman emperor. Other images produced after his death continue to endorse the myth. The other side of the coin is the caricatures produced by the opposition or his European enemies, popular images which give a different viewpoint both visually and historically. The work lends itself to many themes such as satire, neoclassical drawing and portraiture.

The army of the 1st Empire
A wonderful collection of historic figurines gives a clear idea of the variety of military uniforms in the 1st Empire, rich in colours and symbols. There are also weapons and equipment in the collection. The visual strength of the display gives a very good impressin of what the army of Napoleon was like. Students can see how the soldiers lived, their uniforms, codes of behaviour, functions and battles.

The Empire: history in symbols
The 1st Empire is rich in symbolism which can be seen in sculpture, uniforms and weapons. Decoding the symbols sheds light on how people thought in the Napoleonic era, and how satirical pictures turned the symbolism around. The museum possesses the banner given to Antibes by Louis 18th, who increased the supply of arms to the town to significant levels. Pinpointed and decoded, symbols can be reinvented and act as inspiration for creative work.

Museum-school projects
Level cycle III
Covering several sessions, these learning projects concentrate on modelling work; the teacher and mediator working closely together to choose themesand how the courses should progress.

Around the museums
These inter-museum projects must be noted on the enrolment form.
Some themes may be further improved by looking at collections in different museums.
1. Study of satirical images from the Napoleonic era may be followed by studying cartoons of different times at the Peynet and Cartoon Museum.
2. Military themes (military life, strategy, uniform) could be accompanied by work at the ancient military fort of Fort Carré.

Open tours
Tuesday and Thursday 10.00 to 12.00
Wednesday 10.00 to 16.30
Friday 14.00 to 16.30
Reservations must be made by phone on 04 93 61 45 32

Teaching documents
Teaching documents on important work and themes linked to the collections are available to teachers by request, as are booklets for students , enabling them to work more independently.

Secondary and further education

Enrolment
Activities for secondary and further education establishments are free of charge.
Enrolment in courses must be done at general public section at individual museum. Enrolment conditions are given below.

Note
Enrolment in courses must be confirmed in writing by letter, fax or email at the general public section at individual museums (contact details follow).

For teachers
These free activities enable teachers to optimise museum premises as well as helping them to work in collaboration with mediators at the various venues.

Guided tours with exchange of ideas
Information and reservations at individual museum
A guided tour is given specially for teachers of each temporary exhibition: Archaeology Museum: Europe and Roman Gaul. Trade routes and means of transport, Wednesday 6/09 at 14.30; Peynet and Cartoon Museum: The Picasso Model. Portraits, caricatures and cartoons, Wednesday 13/09 at 14.30.

Days of exchange of ideas and discussion
Organised for primary and secondary school teachers, they take place on Wednesday afternoons. The theme this year is museum items, a source of creation and reflection.

Correspondents
Contact: Nathalie Decrand
Tel: 04 92 90 54 28
Email: nathalie.decrand@ville-antibes.fr
To facilitate communication between museums and schools, it is suggested that a teacher from each school become a privileged correspondent. They receive a free entry card to museums in Antibes (Archaeology Museum, Peynet and Cartoon Museum, Napoleonic Museum, La Tour Museum and Fort Carré). Their role is to keep their colleagues informed of events at the museums and distribute relevant literature.

Open tours
All levels. Reservation by telephone at individual museum. Times stated below.
Teachers may prepare and lead tours themselves, with the exception of Fort Carré. For security reasons, only pencils may be used.

Teaching documents
For information on works at museums and to prepare tours, teaching documents on various themes and works in permanent collections and temporary exhibitions are available by request from the general public section of each museum.