Restoration of the Carnavalet Museum, a memorial site for the history of Paris

The Carnavalet Museum is dedicated to the history of the city of Paris. It was inaugurated by municipal authorities in 1880, when the city was undergoing major urban development projects directed by Baron Haussmann. Its composite architecture is generated by two private residences: that of the Carnavalet family, built in 1548 and restored by François Mansart in 1655, and that of Pelletier de Saint-Fargeau, built by Pierre Bullet in 1688. In addition to these, there are the architectural remains of buildings demolished in the 19th century and rebuilt in the gardens, and an additional building linking it all together, the construction of which continued until the early 20th century

Over time, further additions and redevelopments made the museum's visitation plan, as well as its operation, problematic. The City of Paris therefore decided on a partial renovation to restore the coherence and attractiveness of the site.
In 2015, Chatillon Architectes was selected to lead the restoration and redevelopment of the site, and to redesign its interior in a contemporary and accessible way for all members of the public. The goal was to create a new, more coherent museum layout capable of accommodating large numbers of visitors without disturbing the charm of a place highly valued by the city's residents

A number of roofs and facades were restored, including those of great French architects such as François Mansart and Libéral Bruant. The architects also redesigned the visitor tour, with a new reception area and the organization of temporary and permanent exhibition rooms in the cellars, which until then had not been open to the public.
The project was carried out in collaboration with the Snăhetta agency and the Nathalie Crinière agency for the permanent set design