Victor Hugo died on 22 May 1885, at his home on 50 Avenue Victor Hugo (now number 124) in Paris, due to pneumonia. His death evoked profound national mourning, recognizing him not only as a colossal literary figure but also as a statesman instrumental in shaping the Third Republic and French democracy. Throughout his life, he was a staunch advocate for liberty, equality, and fraternity, and an ardent champion of French culture.