Renault: Her story in a new exhibition space

Renault brings together a unique collection of historical vehicles, artistic creation and printed archival material, in a new exhibition center that is scheduled to open its gates in 2027 in the city of Flins on the outskirts of Paris. There the audience will have the opportunity to see closely the brand’s unique heritage through tours and themes. This ambitious project aims to highlight the brand’s 125+ years of history, while also stressing its impact on both a car culture and our collective memory.

“I believe that a brand draws its power mainly from its origins. Our industrial and cultural heritage is based on 125 years of history, and is still extremely timely to this day. It inspires our workforce every day in its efforts to imagine the future of automotive. And one could say that it belongs to everyone, as Renault is also an integral part of a global popular culture.

That is why we wanted to share with the general public our heritage, through a dynamic, and accessible, experience. The new space will be characterized by a family atmosphere, where one can browse the car, and reconnect with a story that is not static but constantly evolving: a legacy that makes us proud and want to convey to everyone. ”

Fabrice Cambolive, CEO Renault Brand

Project of a unique heritage

Enjoy Renault’s Automotive History

Renault announces a unique heritage project designed to make its rich industrial and cultural heritage known to as many people as possible. By 2027, the public will be able to deepen the history of the group.

The project is an opportunity to re -discover emblematic models, with each one to tell its own story: a story of not only technological innovation but also social transformation.

And because cars contribute to the shaping of cities, the lifestyle, art and culture, they are also the most characteristic imprint of everyday life.

For visitors, the new space will awaken personal memories associated with specific brand models or ads that marked their time, while also giving them the opportunity to admire excellent works of art from the Renault Fund. This future exhibition space will represent Renault’s story, bringing it through experiences, interactions, special events and technology. It will tell, for example, the story of the brand through a immersive journey based on virtual reality. Visitors will experience the adventure of Renault, a brand whose story is inextricably linked to the history of France.

Flins, the obvious choice

For this new space, Renault opted for the Flins area, just 40 kilometers from Paris. Since 1952, over 18 million vehicles have been produced in this flagship factory. It is a very proof of a unique industrial adventure, where the memory of millions of vehicles meet the ambitions of a more viable way of moving.

Of its production lines, several emblematic models such as the 1950s Dauphine, the Renault 5 of the 1970s and 80s, the Renault 4, the four generations of Clio and Zoe. Now, the Flins plant redefines its identity, as refactory, a pioneering factory that operates exclusively with the circular economy, was created in 2021.

A passage between past and future, between city and industrial space

This new venue in front of the factory, on the outskirts of Flins and Elisabethville, is meant to play the role of the bridge that will unite the city with the world of Renault, continuing a story that began 70 years ago. It will be the link between the city and the industrial facilities.

Designed by architect Jacob Celniki, of the CGA architectural office, its structure is ideally harmonized with the rectangular lines of the original plant designed by Bernard Zehrfuss, winner of the Architectural Design of Rome in 1939. intense vertical lines. The building looks like a staircase with six overlapping parallels, which gradually grow in size like Russian ‘bamboo’.

The result of this structure is the facade with multiple openings at each level, thereby enabling visitors to see the full extent of the collection. This facade is open and welcoming as opposed to the large opaque volumes of the factory in the background.

A living space dedicated to Renault’s heritage, which will have a 2,800sqm event hall. and will be framed by workplaces, meetings and storage. The most impressive part of it hosts the collection, with hundreds of vehicles mounted on a kind of “showers”. Apparently mounted on giant shelves, the cars form a wall that is visible not only from the event, but also from the outside thanks to the openings on the facade.

The event area is in the shape of a large room, with a roof consisting of levels of different height, starting the lowest of the entrance and ends at the highest point in the giant showcase with the ‘showcases’ of cars. The building also includes vehicle repair workshop, and spare parts and equipment storage.

A unique collection, a vibrant proof of the brand’s story.

Archives and objects as an unmistakable witness of 125 years of car history

Renault’s heritage is not limited to its vehicles. The company also has a large number of items that tell the brand’s history since 1898. With over 2.4 kilometers of files, Renault has an impressive collection of documents and objects depicting its history. The thousands of documents and objects in the collection include posters, designs, miniatures and toys, children’s cars with pedals, cups and medals, as well as books from Renault’s literature.

The new space will enable the public to fully discover the wealth of these files. Their role is invaluable in understanding the history of the brand and its creations.

Hundreds of historical vehicles

The project will also give the general public access to a car treasure, which includes several hundreds of vehicles in excellent condition. Carefully maintained and renovated, these vehicles cover Renault’s story from the first car manufactured by Louis Renault in 1898, Type A, to pre -war models, Formula 1 cars, emblematic Alpine and visionary prototypes.

It is worth noting that more than half of the cars are operating normally, which proves the detailed work done for their maintenance. For many years, six specialized technicians have undertaken the restoration and maintenance of all the ‘Renault Collection’ vehicles, ensuring that each model can tell its own unique story. Based on this recognized know -how, the new space will also house a rehabilitation workshop, both for engines and the bodywork.

The diversity of the collection testifies to Renault’s rich heritage. A series of iconic – some rare – objects, tell the history of technology and design of the automotive industry over the years. Other items, which have become particularly popular in the past, will awaken personal memories and emotions to visitors. Who is not reminiscent of a trip to the countryside with a R4, or vacation with a R16?

Collection of unique art

Renault also possesses several hundreds of works of art, which will also be exhibited. Since the 1930s, Renault has been a pioneer in supporting modern design. This unique collection of works of art was created to build bridges between art and industry. With the aim of reinforcing this vision, in June 2024, the Group announced the creation of Renault Fund for art and culture.

The role of the fund is to secure and protect the existing collection, while seeking to renew it with the addition of contemporary artists, thereby confirming the role of the brand as the patron of the arts and culture.

Art Factory, an art roof in Flins

The Flins facilities recently created an art space called Art Factory, which is housed where the old dyes were. Today, this space 3,200m². It is dedicated to the creation and exhibition of urban art, offering artists the opportunity to work in an environment that represents the street art. There artists have access to the industrial characteristics that still exist around the space, which can use, change or recycle in their work.