Behind the Scenes at the Workshops of the Réunion des musées nationaux — Grand Palais (GrandPalaisRmn)

 

As part of their professional immersion into the world of art and cultural heritage, Bachelor 2 and 3 students from IESA arts&culture recently had the privilege of stepping behind the scenes at the renowned workshops of the Réunion des musées nationaux – Grand Palais (GrandPalaisRmn).

 

A Cultural Institution Anchored in History

Founded nearly 130 years ago, the GrandPalaisRmn is a major public cultural institution in France, with a mission to make culture accessible both nationally and internationally. It unites exceptional expertise across artistic production, museography, cultural publishing, and education. The institution operates several key Parisian venues—including the Grand Palais and the Musée du Luxembourg—while also organizing exhibitions, publishing art books, and producing cultural objects that travel far beyond France’s borders.

 

 

 

Mastery of Sculpture Through the Centuries

One of the highlights of this visit was the discovery of the historic casting and engraving workshops, which have been reviving the great masterpieces of sculpture for over two centuries. Originating during the French Revolution of 1789, these techniques were first developed at the Louvre, and are still practiced today using a unique combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.

 

The collection of molds preserved by the workshop is a testament to the evolution of sculpture throughout human history. It spans from Prehistory to the 20th century, and includes Oriental, Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Gallo-Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance masterpieces, as well as iconic works from French, Italian, and Northern European schools.

 

Where Tradition Meets Contemporary Creation

Beyond its dedication to heritage, GrandPalaisRmn also pushes artistic boundaries by collaborating with contemporary artists such as Prune Noury and Jeff Koons. These partnerships result in the creation of original sculptures and engravings that marry age-old techniques with bold modern visions, proving that tradition and innovation can thrive side by side.

For our students, this visit offered a rare and inspiring glimpse into the meticulous process of museum-quality reproduction. They witnessed firsthand how historical excellence informs contemporary artistic practices, and how cultural institutions like GrandPalaisRmn continue to shape the future of art.