Le Centre des monuments nationaux, Visionary guardian

"A people that does not teach its history is a people that loses its soul." Victor Hugo, in his time, would have perfectly summarized the driving spirit of the Centre des monuments nationaux ( CMN) today, propelled by a determination to protect and continue to highlight the diversity of French historical monuments. Affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, the institution indeed has the mission to preserve, restore, and also bring this invaluable heritage to life by opening these treasures to the public to make culture accessible to all. This is achieved through a rich program of over 450 annual events and ambitious educational initiatives. Among its recent large-scale projects are the restoration of Villa Cavrois, a jewel of modern architecture, and that of the Hôtel de la marine, which now invites visitors to immerse themselves in the splendors of the 18th century.

More recently, the Château de Villers-Cotterêts has been transformed to house the Cité internationale de la langue française. Culture in all its dimensions and across all territories, from the Île de la Cité, which will soon benefit from an ambitious redevelopment, to Reims, to continue telling the story of the coronation of the kings of France with the creation of the Musée des Sacres at the Palais du Tau. Looking to the future, the CMN also embraces ecological and technological innovation. This includes an incubator supporting the most promising start-ups in the preservation and enhancement of heritage. Not to mention the development of immersive digital tools such as virtual reality and interactive tours that enrich visitors' experiences by offering a rare, intense journey through time and space. Reviving, living, and experiencing heritage.