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Napoleon Bonaparte… ahem, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte is a major historical figure, but there are just as many myths about the French leader as there are truths about his life.

No, he wasn’t all that short for his time. Yes, he somehow managed to win several military battles. Maybe he was poisoned to death.

Let the National Constitution Center separate fact from fiction for you with their upcoming exhibit, Napoleon, opening May 29. The installation features over 300 objects, as well as some of the most recognized portraits of the man. Objects on display include the first letter Napoleon wrote, a lock of his wife Empress Josephine Bonaparte’s hair, his personal map of the French Empire at its most powerful in 1812 and articles of clothing Napoleon actually wore.

And, if you’re stuck on American history, the exhibit has a special gallery that explores the American Revolution’s connection to the French Revolution and Napoleon’s rise to power. The exhibit even has the valise the Louisiana Purchase was transported in.

This is the collection’s first time in North America. The exhibit runs through Sept. 7. Admission includes tickets to the Constitution Center’s main exhibition, The Story of We the People and the Freedom Rising theater production.

Napoleon
May 29 – Sept. 7

The National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 409-6700
www.constitutioncenter.org