In a world where new unknown brands are springing up left, right and centre, it seems that heritage is more important than ever, and few manufacturers are currently making as much of former legendary models as Renault. The French manufacturer has recently re-launched the brilliant 5 and 4 as retro-inspired EVs, which have seemingly captured the imagination of enthusiasts – and the company is set to further lean into its rich history with a new public heritage centre, set to open in 2027.
Although a handful of lucky visitors have occasionally glimpsed some of the rarities housed in Renault’s vast vaults, public access has been minimal. The collection has remained largely private, brought out only for significant anniversaries or carefully staged press events. That is set to change with the construction of a major new venue at Flins, just 40km from Paris – the first permanent public home for the company’s collection in its 125-year history.
The as-yet-unnamed site will open in 2027 and feature a dramatic new structure designed by architect Jacob Celnikier. A centrepiece of the Refactory complex at Flins – the former production site now dedicated to the circular economy – the new venue will span 2800m² and feature five-car-high racks, nine per row and up to 15 rows deep. Hundreds of cars will be displayed this way, visible from the exterior through multiple open apertures in the building’s vertical facade. A second, adjoining structure will house oversized or specialist items including a tank and a Renault-branded aeroplane.
The scale of the project is significant, though Renault has yet to disclose its overall cost. The collection currently comprises around 650 vehicles, of which 57% are running, maintained by a dedicated team of six full-time technicians. The company sees the new facility not only as a venue to share its heritage, but also as a centre for preserving and passing on restoration skills to future generations. A full restoration workshop will be housed on-site, though Renault has clarified that, at least for now, it does not plan to offer customer restorations from this location.
When asked what the new facility will be called, a Renault representative was quick to downplay the use of the word ‘museum’, suggesting instead that the venue will be ‘organic, immersive and forward-thinking’. While the name is still under discussion, what is clear is that the public will be welcomed – with Renault expecting a minimum of 15,000 visitors annually, and low-cost entry to encourage access.
The company has also announced that it will sell some of the duplicate cars from its collection, in order to free up space and money to purchase some of the vehicles missing from its vaults. Artcurial will host the collection auction in November 2025.
Alongside the cars, the facility will showcase a wide array of archive material, objects and art. Over 2400 linear metres of archive documents – from advertising posters and workshop drawings to toys and trophies – will be made available to the public for the first time. The company will also display highlights from its art collection, including work by Jean Dubuffet, Victor Vasarely, Arman, Robert Doisneau and Erró. Many of these pieces have close links to the company’s design history and brand image, including the 1972 Vasarely-designed logo.
A new Fund for Art and Culture has also been established, supporting the conservation of existing works and commissioning of new ones – particularly street art that aligns with Renault’s image as a ‘manufacturer of the people’. The Flins site already houses the Art Factory, a 3200m² industrial studio space for artists in residence, repurposed from the former paint workshops.
Fabrice Cambolive, CEO Renault Brand commented: ‘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.’
For more info, see theoriginals.renault.com
