The renovation project

One of the most important art and history museums in France, the palais des ducs de Lorraine – Musée lorrain is currently undergoing a major renovation and extension project. This project is led by the City of Nancy, in partnership with the State, the Grand Est Region, the Meurthe-et-Moselle Departmental Council and the Grand Nancy Metropolitan Area, in conjunction with the Société d'Histoire de la Lorraine et du Musée Lorrain.

The project perimeter includes the following three heritage sites, all of which are classified as Historic Monuments:

The ducal palace - Morey building and garden
The Government palace and its garden
The Cordeliers complex

The main thrusts of the project are to :

Make the most of the exceptional heritage complex housing the museum, in an environmentally-friendly way,
Continue the architectural history of the site by equipping it with new spaces for services, study and conviviality that meet the needs of a major museum of the 21st century,
Offer five new visitor itineraries easy to understand and interactive,
Create a museum space open to the neighbourhood and the city, and accessible from all sides.

The first stage of the project involves the renovation and extension of the ducal palace - Morey building complex.

[Translate to English:] Vue aérienne © Agence Dubois & Associés (Ph. Ch. Dubois - F. Mazaud - E. Tardu Architectes Muséographes) / Olivier Defaye – Infographiste

[Translate to English:] Vue depuis le bâtiment Morey © Agence Dubois & Associés (Ph. Ch. Dubois - F. Mazaud - E. Tardu Architectes Muséographes) / Olivier Defaye – Infographiste

[Translate to English:] Vue de nuit depuis le jardin © Agence Dubois & Associés (Ph. Ch. Dubois - F. Mazaud - E. Tardu Architectes Muséographes) / Olivier Defaye – Infographiste

[Translate to English:] Vue de l’atelier pédagogique à l’issue de la rénovation du musée © Agence Dubois & Associés (Ph. Ch. Dubois - F. Mazaud - E. Tardu Architectes Muséographes) / Olivier Defaye – Infographiste

A museum at the heart of neighbourhood life

To encourage visitors to explore the buildings and gardens, the future museum is designed as a walk-through museum, open on its surroundings and the historic town. It will be accessible from all sides: from the Grande Rue via the majestic gatehouse, from the Place de la Carrière via the Government Palace, and from the Parc de la Pépinière and the Rue des Cordeliers.

An exceptional museum journey

At the end of its renovation, the museum will offer visitors the chance to step back in time and leaf through the history of Lorraine, from prehistory to the present day. Interactive digital displays will complement the presentation of the museum's key works, enabling visitors to learn all about the Battle of Nancy, the arrival of king Stanislas in Lorraine, and the region's role in European integration. By helping to create an immersive, interactive space, digital technology will offer visitors a new experience. They will be able to plunge into the past using the tools of the future, and gain a better understanding of the periods and objects on display. The completely revamped tour route will be fully accessible to families and people with reduced mobility.

New living areas

On level -1, a new space will house temporary exhibitions and an art workshop, which will allow participants to manipulate, create and marvel on the museum's collections.