Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle

The museum and collection

Located in the heart of La Rochelle for two centuries, the Muséum d’histoire naturelle is both a place for conservation and a place to exchange knowledge. The 2,300 m² exhibition space provides a wonderful journey to the heart of natural and cultural heritage. Visitors can discover over 10,000 objects from the collections of naturalists and ethnographers that date back to the 18th century. Its exhibitions present a vast range of objects from collections highlighting the biodiversity and cultural diversity of Africa, America and Oceania. After major renovation work that finished in 2007, the Muséum now offers a contemporary and interactive layout, which harmoniously integrates the older restored areas and brings out the charm and beauty of its three hundred year old architecture.

The assignment

The museum selected qualified companies in a tender process that included a showcase package and a general fit-out package. Price and quality were scored, and pricing elements as well as replies to technical challenges were the determining factors for appointment. 

For the renovation we manufactured and installed wallcases, freestanding cases, custom cases and furniture. We also did general fitout work.

The project: challenges & result

The scope contained several custom case elements, such as freestanding cases with integrated base structures in large podiums, cases with internal scenographic elements, and cases with etched glass back panels. Fit-out elements such as bent steel constructions formed a challenge. The showcase plinths that have special shapes required extra engineering efforts. Part of the project consisted of furniture elements such as an entrance desk.

The assignment

For the renovation of Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, Meyvaert created bespoke showcases. These include wall mounted cases, freestanding cases and inset cases of various sizes. 
The exhibitions present a vast range of objects from collections highlighting the biodiversity of the natural environments and the cultural diversity of the populations of Africa, America and Oceania.