Sylvie Retailleau on Saving the Palais de la Découverte

Sylvie Retailleau, former minister and current president of Universcience, details the negotiations that saved the Palais de la Découverte during the Grand Palais renovation. The science museum, housed in the Palais d'Antin, faced potential closure as debates raged over dedicating the renovated space solely to classical culture. Retailleau secured a compromise: Universcience ceded one gallery to the Grand Palais for 30 million euros over ten years, contributing to the 500-million-euro renovation (350 million state-funded, 150 million loaned by the Grand Palais). The Palais de la Découverte will reopen in March 2027. Additionally, the Grand Palais will use the rotunda for up to five days during Art Basel Paris, while Universcience can use it for the Fête de la Science. A gallery is lent to the Centre Pompidou until June 2030 for its renovation. In exchange, Universcience gains full control of the Palais des enfants programming. Retailleau acknowledges a 20-million-euro deficit but aims to increase self-generated revenue from 20% to 30% over five to ten years by exporting exhibitions and attracting international visitors. An alternative renovation estimate by Lacaton & Vassal ranges from 375 to 500 million euros, far lower than the 1-1.2 billion from a 2021 audit.