Renault is transforming its amazing collection of historical models, artworks, and archival documents into a public exhibition in its new venue, scheduled to become operational in 2027 in Flins, where the Renault Group's production facility is located. Visitors will find an opportunity to explore the brand's distinctive heritage through guided tours and themed exhibitions. This assertive project will also unlock Renault's 125-year history, illuminating the brand's impact on automotive innovation and its collective memory of the industry.
Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of Renault: “I believe that a brand draws its strength first and foremost from its roots. Our industrial and cultural heritage is based on 125 years of history and is still incredibly relevant today. It inspires our workforce every day in their efforts to imagine the future of mobility. And you could say that it belongs to everyone, since Renault is also part of a universal popular culture. This is why we wanted to share our heritage widely, through a dynamic, open experience accessible to everybody. The new site is a family venue, where you can stroll around the cars, and reconnect with a history that is not static but constantly evolving: a heritage that makes us proud and that we want to convey to the full.”
A UNIQUE HERITAGE PROJECT
A Deep Look at Renault's Automotive History
Renault has unveiled a unique project to offer the brand's rich industrial and cultural heritage to as many people as possible. Starting in 2027, visitors will have the opportunity to take a closer look at Renault's history. The project creates a chance to reexplore iconic models, each with its unique narrative. These are the tales not only of technical innovation but also of social change. While automobiles help shape cities, lifestyles, art, and culture, they are also witnesses to daily life. Reminding visitors of personal memories about the brand's specific cars or advertisements that left their mark in their periods, the new exhibition area also provides the opportunity to see distinguished pieces from the Renault collection. For instance, the brand's story is presented in an immersive journey based on virtual reality.
Flins: An Obvious Choice
Located 40 kilometers from Paris, Flins, where the Renault Group's production site is found, has been specifically selected for this new exhibition area. In Flins, more than 18 million vehicles have been produced since the factory was opened in 1952. Home to legendary models like Dauphine in the 1950s, Renault 5 and Renault 4 in the 1970s and 1980s, and Clio and ZOE of four generations, Flins comes to life again with this new exclusive collection from Renault.
Designed by architect Jacob Celnikier of the CGA agency, the building was planned to adhere to the orthogonal lines of the original facility, laid out by Bernard Zehrfuss, winner of the Rome Prize in 1939. The structure resembles a ladder with six parallel faces, which gradually expand in size like a matryoshka. Thus, there are multiple gaps on each storey of the facade, enabling visitors to see the entire collection in the background. This facade exhibits a clear and welcoming look, contrasting with the huge size and opacity of the factory building in the backdrop.
This center is a vibrant venue dedicated to Renault's heritage. With an event space of 2,800 square meters, the exhibition hall is the home to a collection that includes hundreds of cars mounted on shelves. The vehicles, which appear to be standing on extra-large shelves, form a wall visible not only from the event area but also from the gaps on the facade.
Arnaud Belloni, President of the Renault Brand: “For the first time, Renault is opening the doors to its heritage, celebrating over 125 years of innovation, design and automotive passion with this unique, vibrant venue open to all. The visitor experience is simply breathtaking: thousands of objects, hundreds of works of art and, above all, a truly unique display of iconic cars lined up on pallets, like jewels suspended in space. A spectacular showcase that is worthy of the incredible history we wish to share.”
A UNIQUE COLLECTION BEARING WITNESS TO HISTORY
Automobiles, archives, and objects that witness 125 years of automotive history
In addition to books that constitute Renault's bibliography, the collection includes thousands of documents and objects, such as posters, design drawings, miniatures, toys, pedal cars, trophies, and medals, which have shared Renault's story since 1898. Also, hundreds of well-preserved car treasures stand out as the most stunning pieces of the collection. These elaborately protected and restored cars span deep-rooted Renault history, from the Type A, the first car constructed by Louis Renault in 1898, to pre-war models, Formula 1 cars, legendary Alpines, and visionary concept cars. The exhibition area will also host a restoration workshop for both powertrain and bodywork.
This vibrant collection will continue to expand over time and undergo a significant change through the sale of replica models, in particular. To this end, Artcurial will hold an auction on December 6-7.
A unique art collection
Renault also has hundreds of works of art on display. Renault has been pioneering contemporary design since the 1930s. This one-of-a-kind art collection was created to build a bridge between art and industry. The group announced in June 2024 that the Renault Art and Culture Fund will be launched to underline this objective. While aiming to conserve the current collection and update it with contemporary artists, the fund also intends to reinforce the brand's role as a protector of art and culture.
