The Réunion des musées nationaux-Grand Palais and the musée des châteaux de Malmaison et de Bois-Préau, in France, present an exhibition exploring Napoleon's dreams for an escape to the United States, on his return from Waterloo.
Josephine, herself from the West Indies, had brought a flavour of America to the Imperial court, until her death in 1814. In the aftermath of Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon whilst in refuge at Malmaison, searching for a safe haven, in his turn, dreamed of America. Will he become a trapper, explorer, planter? Whatever it would be, he had serious plans to explore the New World and its vast horizons. Which companions would he take, and which possession and personal souvenirs would he take in his luggage? His servants were busy with preparations for the trip; and of those who still frequented him there were many candidates for exile.
More information here in French.
Musée national des châteaux de Malmaison et Bois-Préau
avenue du Château-de-Malmaison – 92500 Rueil-Malmaison – France
Getting there from Paris: RER line A “Grande Arche de la défense” or métro line 1 “la Défense” then bus 258, stop “Le Château”.
Langue(s) : French