ABSTRACT
Some ten years ago the Grande Galerie de l’Evolution (GGE) of the National Museum of Natural History opened in Paris following extensive renovation. The story of this renovation is part of a 250-year-old scientific project. Although it has been the subject of much criticism because of the museographical choices, the GGE represents a decisive advance in the thinking upon museum space. In this chapter, I will look back to the history of a building and the history of a collection, to present the choices which triggered off the renovation of a gallery that had been closed for over 25 years, in order to see to what extent the modern features of this updated space can exemplify new museological and museographical tendencies. I will try to understand whether the interpretation of what this space is offers an opportunity of casting a new outlook on understanding the living world and setting up science exhibitions.
