The Maréchaussée (the name was derived from the fact that it was under the direct orders of the Marshals of France) became the Gendarmerie Nationale in 1791. The uniforms, equipment and weapons of gendarmes from the Middle Ages to the present day - and how they have been represented in popular culture (as puppets, lead figurines or faience etc) - are displayed inside this building. You can round off a tour of the permanent exhibition with a look at the well-stocked picture library.