The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine – Musée Lorrain (under renovation)
Please note: the Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine and its Musée lorrain are currently CLOSED for a major renovation. Housed in the former ducal palace of the Old Town, this museum of Lorraine's history and art (Georges de La Tour, Jacques Callot) will reopen later. Here is what to know about the site, its collections and the ongoing project.
A museum closed for renovation
Since 2018, the exhibition spaces of the ducal palace have been closed to the public for a vast renovation project. The plan has been redefined: in 2025, the extension originally planned was abandoned in favour of a more measured restructuring, refocused on the existing buildings. Reopening is not expected for several years. It is therefore essential to check the progress and any accessible spaces before travelling. This article introduces the site and its treasures while you wait to rediscover them on site.
The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine
The museum occupies a monumental ensemble in the Old Town, formed by the former residence of the Dukes of Lorraine, built between the 15th and 17th centuries, and neighbouring buildings. Its famous Flamboyant gate and long Grande-Rue facade are among the jewels of Nancy architecture. The complex converses with the nearby Cordeliers church and convent, the dukes' necropolis, as well as the 18th-century Government palace. Even closed, the palace remains an essential landmark on a walk through the old town, to be admired from the street.
Exceptional collections
The Musée lorrain holds a vast collection of more than 150,000 pieces tracing the history and art of Lorraine, from prehistory to contemporary times. It includes archaeological, historical, artistic and ethnological collections. Highlights feature masterpieces by two great 17th-century Lorraine artists: the nocturnal scenes of Georges de La Tour, master of light, and the teeming engravings of Jacques Callot. Medieval sculptures, faience, furniture and mementoes of the dukes round out this panorama. During the closure, these works are the subject of a vast programme of restoration, transfer and digitisation.
A project for the future
The renovation aims to give the Musée lorrain a setting worthy of its collections: restored spaces, a rethought route, better conservation and visitor conditions. Refocused on the existing built heritage, the project combines restoration of the historic buildings, care of the works and museographic modernisation. In time, the ducal palace is set to become again the great showcase of Lorraine's history, at the heart of the Old Town. Meanwhile, the museum continues off-site programming and puts its collections online, keeping the public in touch with this major regional heritage.
What to do while awaiting reopening
As the palace is closed, it is best to plan other visits in Nancy and admire the building from outside, strolling along the Grande-Rue in the Old Town. Nearby, the Porte de la Craffe, the Government palace and the Cordeliers complex are worth a look. For art and history, turn to the Museum of Fine Arts on Place Stanislas and the Museum of the School of Nancy. Always check the official website before travelling: reopening dates, off-site temporary exhibitions and digital resources are announced there.
Infos pratiques
Adresse : 64 Grande Rue, 54000 Nancy
Questions fréquentes
Is the Musée lorrain open?
No. The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine and its Musée lorrain have been closed to the public since 2018 for a major renovation. Reopening is not expected for several years: check the official website before travelling.
Why is the museum closed?
For a major renovation and restructuring of the ducal palace. In 2025, the extension originally considered was abandoned in favour of a more measured project, focused on the existing buildings and the conservation of the works.
Can you still see the palace?
The facade of the ducal palace, on the Grande-Rue in the Old Town, remains admirable from the street. Depending on the works' progress, some neighbouring spaces such as the Cordeliers church may be accessible: check in advance.
What works does the Musée lorrain hold?
More than 150,000 pieces tracing the history and art of Lorraine, including masterpieces by Georges de La Tour and Jacques Callot, archaeological collections, faience and furniture.
Which museum to visit instead in Nancy?
While awaiting reopening, the Museum of Fine Arts on Place Stanislas and the Museum of the School of Nancy offer fine alternatives for the city's art and history.
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