Reflection on the future of the Pasteur Museum and appointment of a Heritage, Art and Science Officer

• Upcoming closure of the Pasteur Museum and preparation for the future

A major project to restore and renovate the Institut Pasteur's historical building is set to run from March 2021 to July 2024, and during this period the Pasteur Museum and the Salle des Actes will no longer be accessible. Measures to protect and transfer the items in the collections will begin in summer 2020.

Discussions are currently under way to examine various solutions on campus or via the website to ensure that the Institut Pasteur can continue to showcase and celebrate its history and that of its founder, Louis Pasteur, during the closure.

The restoration of the Roux building is also an opportunity for a broader reflection on a museum for 2025 that offers the public a more interactive experience and embraces outreach possibilities for the Institut Pasteur's activities as a whole.

 

• Appointment of a Heritage, Art and Science Officer

One of the aims of the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan is to strengthen the Institut Pasteur's international scientific leadership. This ambitious vision for the future is rooted in the history and legacy of the Institut Pasteur, which, ever since it was founded by Louis Pasteur in 1888, has been based on scientific excellence. Several events will emphasize the scientific heritage that is an integral part of our ambitions. First and foremost, the restoration of the Roux building, which will take place between March 2021 and July 2024, will be an opportunity to review the layout and approach of the Pasteur Museum to create an interactive interface between the institute and the general public. The year 2022 will also be a chance for us to celebrate Louis Pasteur's bicentenary. In collaboration with the French High Committee for National Celebrations, we are planning to organize a series of events to shine a light on the seminal work of Louis Pasteur and the continuing relevance of his scientific legacy.  

To make sure there is a common thread running through all these initiatives, Professor Olivier Schwartz will be given the task of coordinating this commemorative project in relation with the relevant departments.

- Based on the discussions of a working group composed of relevant specialists – particularly members of the Department of Communications and Fundraising and the Technical Resources and Environment Department –, a new concept for the Pasteur Museum and a series of scientific and artistic events related to Louis Pasteur's bicentenary will be planned.

- The task will involve coordinating a number of people who will liaise with government authorities (the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the Ministry of Culture and the High Committee for National Celebrations).

- The officer will have to report regularly to the Institut Pasteur Executive Board (COMEX).

 

More information in decision memo 1008 (in French)

 

Photo :

Vine in a greenhouse with bunches of grapes hanging freely and wrapped in cotton.
Pasteur planted a greenhouse in his vine to refute some posthumous writings by Claude Bernard (1813-1878).
Experiment to show that alcoholic fermentation cannot take place without the microbes in the air.

Drawing by Louis Pasteur, 1879