The réserve muséale de la Capitale nationale: a modern and secure conservation facility

The Réserve muséale de la capitale nationale is now a reality. It meets accepted standards of preventive conservation and functionality. Almost twenty years of patience, discussions and planning have gone into achieving this. During this time, the orientation and future direction of the collections also came under basic scrutiny. This book details the studies and strategies that underpinned this vast undertaking, and describes some of the measures that helped ensure that the move proceeded smoothly and the principles that guided the organization of the collections in the new, highly functional and secure facilities. The photos and illustrations show the size and uniqueness of the new facilities as well as the care that was given to the artefacts in the national collections during the move. A wide range of expertise came into play. Administrators, curators, conservators, engineers, designers, architects, and museology technicians brought their respective skills and determination together in this project. It is time to take stock of all this work – and the results. Now that it can at last enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done, in these pages the team responsible for the creation of the new reserve is making its experience public, and gratefully acknowledging the inspiration and advice received from various institutions and colleagues.