Flins, France
Opening 2027
Renault has announced the opening of its Grand Museum in 2027. It will be located in Flins (about 40 km west of Paris), home to one of its historic factories. Finally, one might say, given how rich the Renault Classic collection is in models, whether historic production cars, racing cars, or even prototypes. With around 600 vehicles, there’s plenty to see! Especially since the collection also includes buses, trucks, and even tanks and planes!
Major German and Italian manufacturers have been promoting this heritage for many years, offering their collections tailor-made showcases. This is the approach adopted by Renault, which will build a dedicated building, the first sketches of which have been unveiled by the manufacturer. The building is expected to feature original, modern architecture (designed by Jacob Celnikier, CGA firm) that blends in with the Flins factory, offering a total surface area of 11,500 m². Around 100 vehicles are expected to be on permanent display, which leaves plenty of room for rotation in the exhibition, allowing visitors to renew their interest in regular visits.
Photo Credit: Jacob Celnikier CGA and kaupunki
Arnaud Belloni, Renault’s marketing director, announces, “What awaits visitors is simply breathtaking: thousands of objects, hundreds of works of art, and above all, a spectacle unique in the world—iconic cars lined up on pallets, like jewels suspended in space. A spectacular setting, worthy of the incredible history we have to share.” The drawings presented show some models displayed on the floor and others on large shelves. Let’s hope that the floor models are the most numerous for the enjoyment of visitors.
Photo Credit: Jacob Celnikier CGA and kaupunki
The Renault Museum will not only house the car exhibition, but also the archives and a large mechanical and bodywork restoration workshop where the cars in the collection will be maintained. A large space will be devoted to exhibiting Renault’s rich artistic collection, including a large number of photos by Robert Doisneau, who collaborated with the manufacturer for many years, and numerous objects related to automobiles and the history of the brand, such as models of prototypes and concepts, posters, and advertising objects. Moreover, the project managers, notably Étienne Henry, Director of 3D Experience, emphasize that this will not be a static museum, but rather a place of experience and learning, where visitors will be immersed in the history of the brand and its models. They mention the possibility of starting a Formula 1 engine or driving certain historic models.
Photo credit: DPPI
It should be noted that in December, Renault will organize a major auction with Artcurial of around 100 cars from its reserves. The aim will be to sell duplicate (or even triplicate) models in order to then purchase others that are missing from the collection. Luca de Meo was one of the driving forces behind the launch of this program, so we can only hope that the change at the top of Renault will not thwart this wonderful project. And while we’re making wishes, let’s hope that Citroën will also find a place to display its Conservatoire collection!