Brief history of Panthéon

1744: King Louis XV vows to build a grand church dedicated to Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, after recovering from illness.
1755: Architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot is commissioned to design the building, inspired by the Roman Pantheon.
1791: The National Assembly orders the Panthéon to be converted into a secular mausoleum for France’s great figures, and philosopher Voltaire is the first major figure interred in the crypt.
1806: Under Napoleon Bonaparte, the Panthéon is partially restored as a church while still housing some tombs.
1851: Léon Foucault conducts his famous pendulum experiment inside the Panthéon to prove the Earth’s rotation.
1885: Victor Hugo is given a state funeral, and the Panthéon is permanently designated as a national mausoleum.
1995: Marie Curie becomes the first woman interred in the Panthéon for her achievements.
2018: Scientist Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor and politician, is interred.
Present: The Panthéon remains a symbol of national pride, honoring France’s greatest minds and heroes.

The history of Panthéon explained

Origins

1744–1755

The Panthéon’s story begins in 1744, when King Louis XV fell gravely ill. After his recovery, he vowed to build a grand church dedicated to Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, as a gesture of gratitude. In 1755, the king commissioned the renowned architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot to design the structure, envisioning a monumental building that would rival the great churches of Europe.

Pantheon in Paris with its grand neoclassical facade and Corinthian columns.

Construction

1756–1790

Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, Soufflot blended neoclassical and Gothic architectural elements, creating a structure with a Greek-cross floor plan, massive Corinthian columns, and an impressive triple-layered dome. Construction began in 1764, but Soufflot passed away in 1780, before seeing his vision completed. His students, Jean-Baptiste Rondelet and Maximilien Brébion, oversaw the final stages of construction, and the church was officially completed in 1790—ironically, just as France was plunging into the French Revolution.

Pantheon in Paris with tourists entering through skip-the-line access.

The French Revolution & secularization

1791–1806

In 1791, the National Assembly decided to convert the newly finished church into a secular mausoleum to honor the greatest minds and heroes of France. This marked the birth of the Panthéon as we know it today. Honoré Mirabeau was the first person honored, though his remains were later removed. Voltaire, the Enlightenment philosopher, was enshrined.

The French Revolution, however, was a time of political instability, and the Panthéon’s function changed multiple times. It was briefly returned to religious use under Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 but continued to house certain national heroes.

Political changes & scientific contributions

1806–1885

The 19th century saw the Panthéon shifting between a church and a national mausoleum as different regimes came to power. Napoleon designated the building for both religious services and burials of distinguished citizens. After the July Revolution, the scientist Léon Foucault conducted his famous pendulum experiment in the Panthéon, proving the Earth's rotation.

During this period, the Panthéon continued to house the remains of notable figures. However, its definitive role as a mausoleum was cemented in 1885, when the famous writer Victor Hugo was given a state funeral, drawing over two million mourners in Paris. His burial marked the Panthéon’s permanent transformation into a place of national tribute.

Honoring resistance heroes & women

1906–1995

By the 20th century, the Panthéon became a symbol of national pride and a final resting place for distinguished scientists, writers, and political figures. Foucault’s Pendulum was reinstalled, cementing the Panthéon’s place in scientific history. Jean Moulin, a leader of the French Resistance against Nazi occupation, was honored posthumously after World War II. Marie Curie became the first woman interred in the Panthéon for her achievements, recognizing her groundbreaking work in physics and chemistry.

Voltaire's tomb inside the Paris Pantheon, showcasing intricate architectural details.

Panthéon today

The Panthéon remains a powerful symbol of French heritage, intellectual achievement, and national identity. As a mausoleum, it honors some of France’s greatest historical figures, including Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Alexandre Dumas, making it a place of remembrance and tribute.

Beyond its role as a tomb, it serves as a cultural and educational landmark, hosting exhibitions on history, science, and democracy. Its scientific significance endures through Foucault’s Pendulum, demonstrating Earth’s rotation. The panoramic dome view also attracts visitors, offering a breathtaking perspective of Paris. Plan your visit to the Panthéon today and learn about its transformation.

Frequently asked questions about the history of Panthéon

Why did the Panthéon switch between a church and a mausoleum multiple times?

Due to political instability in France, the Panthéon’s purpose changed several times. Under Napoleon Bonaparte (1806) and later Napoleon III (1851), it was partially restored as a church. It wasn’t until Victor Hugo’s state funeral in 1885 that it permanently became a national mausoleum.

Why does the Panthéon contain Foucault’s Pendulum?

In 1851, physicist Léon Foucault used the Panthéon to demonstrate the Earth’s rotation with his famous pendulum experiment. A replica of the pendulum remains on display today, showcasing the Panthéon’s scientific contributions.

Why did it take over 30 years to complete the Panthéon?

Construction began in 1764, but Jacques-Germain Soufflot, the architect, passed away in 1780 before its completion. His students finished the work by 1790, but political turmoil delayed its official purpose.

Was the Panthéon ever damaged during wars?

Despite its long history, the Panthéon was not significantly damaged during World Wars I or II. However, minor bombing damage occurred, and some parts were restored in the post-war years.

What is written on the Panthéon’s façade, and what does it mean?

The inscription "Aux grands hommes, la patrie reconnaissante" translates to "To great men, the grateful nation." It was added during the Revolution in 1791 to mark its transformation into a national mausoleum.

Is anyone still being buried in the Panthéon today?

Yes, though it is rare. The French government occasionally selects individuals for posthumous honors, such as Alexandre Dumas (2002) and Simone Veil (2018). The Panthéon remains an active site of national tribute.