National Constitution Center using museum exhibit to draw new audience
Monday, June 1st, 2009
Napoleon Bonaparte is invading Philadelphia. A new exhibit about the Emperor of France is at the National Constitution Center. It's the first time the Center is featuring a collection that does not have direct ties to the founding fathers or the Constitution.
The new exhibit is designed attract a more diverse audience.
Few people in the world are able to imagine themselves as Napoleon like Pierre-Jean Chalencon can. The Parisian collector provided every piece on display – he has amassed about 1500 items belonging to or related to the 19th century emperor. He lives with them.
Chalencon: I use the armchair, I eat with his silver, I read his books, my clock is the one in Napoleon's office. I use to vase to put the flowers. It's a style of life.
The exhibit features official things like paintings and documents, domestic things like gold-leafed china, and intimate things like long johns and two locks of hair – from Napoleon and his beloved Josephine.
The Constitution Center is targeting repeat visitors from the region with new temporary collections.