This world map of honors illustrates the diversity of the orders and decorations on display at the museum.

European orders reflect the development and evolution of early nations, from the medieval chivalrous orders, sometimes still awarded today (Order of the Garter, Order of the Elephant),
up to orders of merit such as the Legion of Honor.

Gradually, starting in the 19^th century, the principle of orders and decorations spread to other continents,
and every country created its own set of rewards. While the orders of the Americas and Africa often drew
inspiration from European insignias, the Eastern orders renewed the forms of the traditional decorations.