Reinventing Tradition: Musée National de la Marine
The renovation of Musée National de la Marine in Paris, France, undertaken by Snøhetta and h2o architectes, aimed to reimagine the museum’s internal organization to provide visitors and staff with a functional environment conducive to work, exploration, and interaction.
Dynamic Design
The new museum design features curved and circular forms that harmonize with the existing building geometry, subtly evoking the natural movement of water. This dynamic architectural language enhances circulation, fosters connectivity between spaces, and encourages fluid interaction within the museum.
Maritime History Preserved
As the main institution dedicated to French maritime history, Musée National de la Marine boasts a significant collection of paintings, models, and maritime artifacts. Housed within the historic Palais Chaillot, originally constructed in 1878 and later renovated for the 1937 World’s Fair, the museum occupies a space of historical and architectural significance.
Harmonizing Heritage and Innovation
h2o architects and Snøhetta collaborated closely to renovate the building while respecting its heritage status and integrating contemporary design elements. By establishing a dialogue between the building’s original construction and a modern vision of maritime history, the renovation sought to anchor the museum in its surroundings while honoring its architectural legacy.
Enhanced Visitor Experience
Casson Mann, a museum and exhibition design practice, contributed to the project by creating an engaging and accessible visitor experience. The museum’s scenography, inspired by the scale and fluidity of its curving galleries, offers visitors multiple pathways through immersive exhibits that blend historical and contemporary elements.
Journey of Discovery
The renovated museum invites visitors on an immersive journey through its intimate vestibule to the spacious full-height hall, where various museum services are accessible. Transparency and architectural elements, such as the Galerie Davioud and newly created mezzanine levels, enrich the visitor experience by providing glimpses into different museum functions and spaces.
Seamless Circulation
The reopened staircase facilitates seamless circulation between the plaza and garden levels, offering visitors multiple pathways to explore the museum. Through careful architectural interventions, including façade openings and the creation of visual connections, the building’s position within the Trocadero Plaza and Gardens is highlighted, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The renovation of Musée National de la Marine represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, preserving the museum’s historical legacy while embracing contemporary design principles to create an engaging and dynamic environment for exploration and discovery.
