The French Natural History Museum of Lille was founded in 1793, making it one of the oldest museums in France. The museum went through many changes over the years, including a major renovation in the late 19th century. The most recent renovation was completed in 2016 by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta. The renovation added 2,500 square meters of new space to the museum, including a new entrance hall, a café, and a shop. The museum’s collections were also updated and expanded, with a new focus on environmental and climate change. The French Natural History Museum of Lille is now a modern and inviting space that is sure to educate and inspire visitors of all ages.
The museum, which first opened in 1833, had fallen into disrepair in recent years and was in need of a major overhaul. The renovation project, which cost €32 million, has seen the museum transformed into a modern, interactive space that is fit for the 21st century. The museum’s collection of over two million items has been brought to life through a series of interactive exhibits and displays. The Natural History Museum of Lille is now one of the most modern and interactive museums in France and is sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages.
The project was set to accomplish two objectives: incorporating the present construction into its metropolitan setting and reviving its integrity and individuality. The extension will pa]ss through the three sections of the structure, linking the exhibition halls to the Museum’s yards with themed gardens. The new galleries will be employed as a toolkit, allowing the Museum personnel to arrange a variety of displays, presenting visitors with a continually evolving experience. The architecture program also includes new dedicated children’s areas to provide a visitor experience catered to the future Museum.
The new-look museum reopened to the public in April 2018 and has been met with critical acclaim. The museum’s extensive collection includes over 2 million items and covers a wide range of topics such as zoology, botany, geology, and anthropology. The renovation project was undertaken with the aim of creating a more modern and user-friendly space for visitors, while also paying homage to the building’s rich history.
One of the standout features of the new museum is the ‘Grand Galerie’, a sweeping spiral staircase that offers visitors a panoramic view of the museum’s collections. Elsewhere, the ‘Galerie des Enfants’ is a dedicated space for young children, where they can learn about the natural world through play. Another striking feature of the new museum is the ‘Grand Gallery’ – a soaring, light-filled atrium that forms the heart of the building. This space is used for a variety of purposes, including exhibitions, events, and educational activities.
Snøhetta and its collaborators Quadriplus, Taktyk, and VPEAS have come up with an ambitious endeavor that is both ecologically and historically conscious. The building’s outer layer will feature highly efficient insulation and sealing, as well as energy-conserving ventilation and passive cooling systems. At the same time, the façade is designed with modernized references to the traditional architecture of Lille, constructed with a brick-clad exterior and a tranquil interior featuring wooden accents.
The museum’s exterior has also been given a facelift, with a new glass façade that allows natural light to flood into the building. The renovation project has been widely praised, with many commentators lauding the sensitive way in which Snøhetta has managed to modernize the museum while still retaining its original character. The new-look museum is sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages and is a credit to the architects involved. Exploring bio-sourced and recycled materials to further reduce the project’s carbon footprint, such as the recovery of bricks from demolishing the current extensions, is being investigated. In addition, the Museum’s two courtyards are to be adorned with tree-shaded gardens, which will create shaded areas in the middle of the building, encourage rainwater to penetrate the ground, and enable the establishment of flora and fauna in the cityscape.
The renovation has sought to create a more welcoming and interactive space for visitors, while also ensuring that the museum’s historic character is preserved. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a new Glass Pavilion, which houses a cafe and a shop. The pavilion’s glazed facade offers views out over the museum’s gardens, and its airy interior provides a bright and spacious setting in which to take a break from exploring the exhibitions. Elsewhere, a new ‘Grand Gallery’ has been created to showcase the museum’s impressive fossil collection. This light-filled space features high ceilings and a mezzanine level, making it the perfect setting to appreciate these fascinating artifacts. The museum’s educational facilities have also been given a makeover, with the addition of new classrooms and a hands-on ‘discovery room’. These spaces will allow the museum to offer a more interactive and engaging experience for school groups and families. The French Natural History Museum of Lille is a wonderful example of how a historic building can be sensitively updated for the 21st century. Thanks to the efforts of architects Snøhetta, this important cultural institution is now better than ever.
The Snøhetta-renovated French Natural History Museum of Lille has become an exemplar of how a museum can be renovated while still preserving its historical characteristics and values. By combining its respect for the museum’s past and its skillful implementation of modern design, Snøhetta has created a unique and captivating space that bridges the past and present. With the museum’s new design, it has become an inviting and engaging space and a beacon of cultural and scientific excellence that can be enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.
