Key dates

• 2000-2012

The project went through a number of stages before the selection of architects in charge of the renovation - Dubois & Associés. Extensive research was carried out on the collections, the façades of the palace were completely restored between 2005 and 2012, and the construction of an external storeroom now provides the museum with a place to study and preserve its collections.

• SPRING 2018

The end of the temporary exhibition "Lorrains sans frontières. It's our history" marked the complete closure of the ducal palace to the public. This closure was a prerequisite for moving the works of art in preparation for the worksite.

• 2018-2020

Renovating the museum meant moving the 2,500 items on display in the ducal palace. The impressive transfer of the works lasted several months, with complex moves such as the dismantling of stoves, wood panelling and architectural elements set into the walls.

• 2021-2023

In order to guarantee a positive outcome to the tenders for the works, the architects in charge of the renovation carried out additional studies to optimise the project. At the same time, the museum has stepped up its outreach activities, displaying its collections throughout the Grand Est region.

• late 2024 to late 2026: preliminary work in preparation for excavation and structural work.
• 2025: archaeological digs. Study of the remains uncovered will enable us to reconstruct the evolution of the site's occupation from the late Middle Ages to the 18th century.
• late 2025 to late 2027: restructuring work on the existing buildings, construction of the new building and finishing work.
• 2028: museum and landscape development. The redevelopment of the garden of the Government Palace will be undertaken with two objectives in mind: to enhance the value of the remarkable trees and to recall the history of the site, by evoking the ducal palace during the Renaissance and the evolution of the garden since the 18th century.
• 1st half of 2029: hanging of works and reopening of the museum