The patrimony

The patrimony of the Grand Chancery, with its prestigious buildings, archives and museum, represents a wealth of history and art. It is the responsibility of the Grand Chancery to maintain, preserve and pass on this heritage.

The preservation and enhancement of heritage

A rich heritage 

The Grand Chancery is responsible for three sites: the Palace of the Legion of Honor in Paris, the former Convent des Loges in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and the former Royal Abbey of Saint-Denis. The first of these houses the Legion of Honor's headquarters and museum, while the latter two are used for its Maison d'education. It is the responsibility of the Grand Chancery to renovate, modernize and bring up to current standards these prestigious buildings, frequented every day by employees, students and visitors. 

In addition to this unique architectural heritage, the Museum's world-renowned collections require regular care. 

Last but not least, its central role of administering decorations has led it to build up a database of extremely valuable archives, which it is its duty to preserve and make accessible to the public. 

The Grand Chancery's three public service missions therefore imply a fourth one for the institution: the preservation and enhancement of its architectural, artistic and archival heritage, thanks notably to its patrons.

Built in the 18th century by French architect Pierre Rousseau, the Hôtel de Salm, Palace of the Legion of Honor, houses the headquarters and museum of the institution, as well as the residence of the Grand Chancellor. 

In Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the former Convent des Loges, founded by Anne of Austria in 1644, is home to the middle school of the Maison d'education, in the heart of a magnificent park. 

A jewel of classical art imagined in the 18th century by Robert de Cotte, Louis XIV's first architect, the cloister of the former Royal Abbey of Saint-Denis is home to the high school of the Maison d'education.

Biographies of honorees, student records, history of decorations... the institution's archives are a precious resource for sociologists, historians and genealogy enthusiasts.

Decorations, costumes, paintings and objets d'art make the Museum of the Legion of Honor and the Orders of Chivalry a benchmark, attracting visitors from all over the world. 

Supporting the Grand Chancery 

The Grand Chancery benefits from public funding to ensure its day-to-day operation, as well as the maintenance and renewal of its equipment and facilities. However, when major restoration work is required, the institution must supplement its funding through sponsorships. 

Helping the Grand Chancellery to preserve its buildings, works of art and archives contributes to the continuity and influence of a heritage of great value, an integral part of the history of France. 

You can contribute in a variety of ways: as a financial sponsor or, if your company's activity lends itself to it, through skills-based or in-kind sponsorships. You can also make a bequest to the institution or a gift to the museum's collections. In addition to philanthropy, the Grand Chancery now adds to its resources by offering the possibility of reserving its buildings for private receptions or film shoots.

Projects to support 

The Grand Chancery is currently seeking financial support and skills-based sponsorships for its various projects. 

The Grand Chancery has embarked on a comprehensive program to safeguard its archives and make them accessible, the success of which depends on the generosity of donors.

An emblematic featureof the Maions d'education of Saint-Denis, the Performance Hall in the music pavilion requires technical upgrading and extensive renovation of the floors and decorative paintwork. 

In the heart of Paris, one of the bas-reliefs in the Court of Honor of the Palace of the Legion of Honor is currently in a critical condition, made worse every day by exposure to the elements and pollution. The institution wishes to undertake the overdue restoration of this work. 

 

You can also make a donation and let the institution choose how it will be used.

Thanks to our patrons

Throughout history, donors’ generosity has always been a constant for the Grand Chancery of the Legion of Honor. In recent years, our sponsors have made many projects possible, including the restoration of the neoclassical chapel at the Maison d'education of the Loges, the remodeling of the archives building and the renovation of the Salon Blanc (White Stateroom) at the Palace of the Legion of Honor. 

The Grand Chancery would like to express its warmest thanks to alledonors, without whom its projects would not be possible.