Every September, young and old, enthusiasts and the curious of all kinds enjoy an exceptional annual event. The Journées du patrimoine (Heritage Days) are back for a 2025 edition that's even richer in discoveries, in Paris and the Île-de-France region. The date is set for the weekend of September 20 and 21. To mark the occasion, the Réunion des musées nationaux - Grand Palais will be opening the doors of its workshops in Saint-Denis, for tours in small groups.
This institution restores works of art on behalf of numerous museums. Thanks to the work of our craftsmen, French works of art and monuments retain their lustre and endure through the centuries, bringing to life thehistory and richness of France.
Themolding workshop - created by the Louvre over two centuries ago - conserves over 12,000 molds and 6,000 models from major French and European collections. The craftsmen and women who work there combine traditional practices with cutting-edge techniques, from the manufacture of a traditional mold to the taking of digital impressions. The craftsmen invite us to discover their work during these Heritage Days.
Going behind the scenes at the Atelier de Moulage du Grand Palais RMN - a workshop awarded the Label France savoir-faire d'excellence and the Label Entreprise du patrimoine vivant (EPV) - means discovering artisanal practices and the secrets of casting antique, Renaissance and modern sculptures for museums, institutions and private individuals.
With over two centuries of experience, the Atelier de Moulage - created by the Louvre within its own walls - preserves and exploits a collection of over 12,000 molds and models from major French and European collections. It combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques, from traditional mold-making to digital impressions. Along the way, visitors will be able to meet the craftsmen in the workshops and discover the various stages involved in the design of a mold, from plaster casting to the creation of patinas.
Founded in 1797, the Chalcographie du Louvre is responsible for preserving and printing a collection of several thousand copper engravings. Formerly housed under the roof of the Louvre palace, the presses are now housed in the Ateliers d'art GrandPalaisRmn in Saint-Denis. Visitors will be able to talk to the taille-doucier printers, watch printing demonstrations using original plates, and discover all the stages involved in making a print. A repository of traditional know-how, the Chalacography workshop is recognized as a conservatory of this art form.
This Saturday, September 20, is the perfect day for art and heritage enthusiasts!
Dates and Opening Time
On September 20, 2025
Prices
Free
Official website
ateliers.grandpalaisrmn.fr
