The museum of Cluny is emblematic not only for its iconic works such asthe Lady with the Unicorn, but also for its atypical architecture between ancient ruins and urban palaces of the late Middle Ages. This exceptional ensemble is now in full restoration with the Cluny 4 project !
With nearly 20 million euros invested by various organizations, the Cluny 4 site proposes a restoration of the ancient part, a renewal of the scenographic route but above all, the creation of a new entrance pavilion meeting all current standards for public reception.
A necessary project
The work planned over 4 years, from 2016 to 2020, is organized in several parts: the restoration of the remains of the Roman baths which, exposed to climatic conditions and pollution, were deteriorating. The last restoration was more than 30 years ago, so this operation was urgent. On the other hand, apart from some room renewals, the Cluny museum has not benefited from major renovations since the 1950s. It is the architect in charge of national monuments, Mr. Paul Barnoud , chief architect of Historic Monuments, who is in charge of this project. The coatings blackened by time were treated by micro abrasion. The walls have been consolidated. The Roman annex, also restored, will soon bereopened to the public.
Part of the old thermal baths will also be included in the visit. The scenographic route will also be redesigned with the addition of a new entrance, accessibility for people with reduced mobility, a newsroom, a bookstore, etc.
Good news for garden lovers. The abbots' garden, closed since 2014, will also be consolidated and restored.
A pavilion with surprising architecture
The new pavilion, built by architect Bernard Desmoulin, is very interesting from a technical point of view. Built on only four pillars, to avoid encroaching too much on the ancient part, the structure is suspended by the roof. The building extends over a floor area of 250m² and three levels. Concrete, wood and volcanic stone meet in a bright space. In places, there are quotations from ancient architecture with the alternation of bricksand rubble.
Built mainly of concrete, its façade is covered with hand-molded metal plates and in places takes up medieval motifs from the museum's Gothic chapel. Large windows open onto the ancient remains.
To carry out the Cluny 4 project, several phases of total closure are planned from March 1to mid-July 2018, then in March and April 2019 and during the winter of 2019-2020. In the meantime, several exhibitions are planned.
Thus, the museum of Cluny is well on its way to being included in the museums of the twenty-first century. Known for its composite architecture, this new welcome, we hope, will offer a new visual asset to the whole. It was also high time that such a historically important museum benefited from routes and means of reception adapted to people with reduced mobility.
Video: Cluny 4 Project
