For 26 years, photographer Pierre Olingue lived in close proximity to the Rouen Natural History Museum in France, developing a deep connection with the historic institution. Since last September, the museum has been closed to the public to undergo major renovations, marking the end of an era for visitors who have long enjoyed its extensive collections.

The closure of the museum, located in the Beauvoisine district, presented a unique opportunity for documentation. With the full agreement and support of the Rouen Normandy Metropolis, Olingue embarked on a special photography project to capture how the museum's various collections were carefully preserved and stored before the renovation work commenced. This comprehensive documentation effort aims to create a visual record of this transitional period in the museum's history.

Olingue expressed his enthusiasm about the unprecedented access he was granted throughout the project. He described it as "a real pleasure to be able to work in all the rooms of the museum, as I pleased," highlighting the rare opportunity to explore and photograph areas typically off-limits to the public. This carte blanche approach allowed him to create an intimate and comprehensive portrait of the museum's behind-the-scenes operations during this significant period of change.

The photographer concluded his reflection on the project by extending his gratitude to the Réunion des Musées Métropolitains de Rouen for their collaboration and support. In a mix of languages that reflects the international nature of museum culture, he added "Non vediamo l'ora di rivedervi," expressing anticipation for future encounters and the eventual reopening of this beloved cultural institution.