Redevelopment of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Restructuring of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Marsan wing, Palais du Louvre: the Carrousel workshops, the Arts Décoratifs library, temporary exhibition rooms, the nave and common areas. All on an occupied site.

Considering heritage as a living entity, A.26 Architectures' thinking is at the heart of the theme of "reuse": keeping heritage alive by repurposing old structures, respecting history but responding to contemporary needs.

The evolution of our societies - and in particular the impact of new technologies - means that our older buildings have to be transformed.

The principle of reuse is based on the building's heritage value and is central to the notions of sustainability and development.

The first phase of work concerned the museum library and the Carrousel workshops.

For the nave, in the second phase, we recovered the spatial concept of the original Marsan wing, restoring this space to its original form and light. The mosaic floor has been restored, and the large windows have been glazed to control air and humidity in the exhibition rooms. Natural light once again penetrates through the high glass roof. All interventions relating to modern equipment, such as the glazing of the nave's large windows, air treatment, IT and security networks, are carried out in such a way as to emphasize the character of the palace's architecture.