Rue des Frères Brunon

Gazing down Rue des Frères Brunon, a quiet street in Marseille, you might not guess its connection to a remarkable collection of military artifacts. This street honors two brothers, Raoul and Jean Brunon, whose shared passion shaped a unique piece of French history. Rue des Frères Brunon pays homage to their dedication and the legacy they left behind. The Brunon brothers, children of a wealthy tobacco merchant, grew up in a grand house on Rue Consolat, also in Marseille. Their childhood fascination with toy soldiers morphed into a serious pursuit. Starting around 1908, they began amassing a collection of real military items, transforming their rooms into a miniature museum. World War I drastically altered their lives. Raoul, despite being initially exempt, joined the Chasseurs Alpins and tragically died in combat in 1917. Jean served in the artillery, surviving the war and returning to their collection. Driven by the memory of his brother and a desire to share their passion with the public, Jean dedicated his life to expanding the collection. He meticulously gathered artifacts, even venturing onto former battlefields to recover poignant reminders of the war’s impact. The collection grew, overflowing three floors of their Rue Consolat home. Jean’s commitment extended beyond collecting. He meticulously researched and documented each item, building an extensive archive and library. He became a recognized expert in military history, publishing books and articles. One of his significant contributions was shedding light on Napoleon’s creation of the Éclaireurs de la Garde Impériale, a cavalry corps. Rue des Frères Brunon isn’t just a street name. It’s a tribute to two brothers who transformed a childhood hobby into a nationally recognized collection. The collection, eventually acquired by the Musée de l’Armée and housed in the Château de l’Empéri in Salon-de-Provence, stands as a testament to their shared passion and Jean’s unwavering dedication.