Musée Dobrée in Nantes
Project
Musée Dobrée, Nantes
2024
Client
Region Loire Atlantique
Scope
From design to completion
Category
Exhibition Lighting
About
At the Musée Dobrée in Nantes, we transformed historic architecture into luminous art through an unprecedented lighting approach. Our most striking innovation: custom rail systems that trace the ornate ceiling moldings, turning architectural details into sources of light. Each rail was individually 3D-scanned and manufactured to millimeter precision, creating a seamless integration where technology becomes invisible and light takes center stage.
This project pushed boundaries both technically and logistically. Working with international partners from Italy to China, we navigated complex production challenges to deliver a lighting solution just days before the museum’s reopening. The result justifies every obstacle overcome.
Our design philosophy to lit the artworks prioritized subtlety and precision. Using minimal LED projectors strategically placed, we created intimate dialogues between light and artwork. Special attention was given to iconic pieces like Anne de Bretagne’s golden heart, where overlapping color temperatures create ethereal depth. In the vaulted basement spaces, indirect lighting reveals stone textures while maintaining visitor comfort.
This project represents more than technical achievement—it’s a reimagining of how light can transform cultural spaces, making art more accessible while respecting architectural heritage.