Château de Malmaison Restoration Completed After Four Years
The Château de Malmaison, which was once home to Joséphine de Beauharnais, has just completed a major exterior restoration that took four years and cost €14 million, funded by the French Ministry of Culture. This project, overseen by architect François Jeanneau and managed by Oppic, started in October 2022 and will wrap up in April 2026. The restoration was done in stages: the north pavilion in 2023, the south pavilion in 2024, and the central section in 2025, all while keeping it open to the public. The work included fixing roofs and windows, with the façade now featuring a pale yellow plaster inspired by historical artworks. Director Élisabeth Caude emphasized staying true to the château's original look. It was purchased by Joséphine in 1799 and served as a government seat from 1800 to 1802.
Key facts
- Château de Malmaison exterior restoration completed after four years.
- Project cost €14 million, fully funded by the French Ministry of Culture.
- Work lasted from October 2022 to April 2026.
- Architect François Jeanneau led the restoration.
- Project management by Opérateur du patrimoine et des projets immobiliers de la culture (Oppic).
- Phased work: north pavilion 2023, south pavilion 2024, central section 2025.
- Château remained open during restoration.
- New façade uses pale yellow plaster based on Victor Jean Nicolle's watercolors.
- Previous cement coating from 1936 was removed due to moisture issues.
- Restoration included ornamental elements and the entrance pavilion by Charles Percier and Pierre Léonard Fontaine.
- Interior decorations, including Pompeian-style dancers in the dining room, were threatened by moisture.
- Château was acquired by Joséphine de Beauharnais in 1799.
- Served as residence for Napoleon Bonaparte and seat of government 1800–1802.
- Élisabeth Caude is director of the châteaux of Malmaison and Bois-Préau.
Entities
Artists
- Joséphine de Beauharnais
- Napoléon Ier
- Charles Percier
- Pierre Léonard Fontaine
- Victor Jean Nicolle
- Pierre Joseph Petit
- Élisabeth Caude
- François Jeanneau
Institutions
- Ministère de la Culture
- Opérateur du patrimoine et des projets immobiliers de la culture (Oppic)
- Château de Malmaison
- Château de Bois-Préau
- Le Journal des Arts
Locations
- Rueil-Malmaison
- Hauts-de-Seine
- France