30 June 2024 will mark the final closure of the Citroën Conservatory, a historical jewel located in the former PSA factory in Aulnay-sous-Bois. After more than twenty years, this emblematic space dedicated to the automotive heritage of the Citroën brand will find a new home outside the historic walls where it has welcomed enthusiasts from all over the world.
Since its inauguration in 2001, the Citroën Conservatory has been much more than a museum. It has been the guardian of Citroën's memory, bringing together an exceptional collection of more than 250 vehicles, from production models to concept cars and legendary racing cars. Located on the historic site of the former PSA factory, this unique space allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the rich and eventful history of Citroën and DS, from the Type A to futuristic concept cars.
Today, however, the Citroën & DS Conservatory is coming to an end, following an inevitable decision by its landlord. Initially planned for a few years, the move has now been accelerated, bringing to an end an unforgettable era for the brand's fans. However, this closure is not synonymous with disappearance. On the contrary, it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Citroën's history. Pending the opening of a new exhibition space, the 300 or so vehicles in the collection will be carefully moved to a secure location to preserve this exceptional automotive heritage.
Loïc de La Roche, Managing Director of L'Aventure Peugeot-Citroën-DS, talks about an ambitious project aimed at providing wider access to this unique collection. Although the details have yet to be finalised, the objective is clear: to share this treasure with an even wider audience and thus perpetuate the heritage and spirit of innovation of Citroën and DS. The new museum, which should open its doors in 3 to 4 years, promises to be a true showcase of Citroën history, but we will have to be patient as we are still far from seeing this future museum.
While we await the inauguration of this new setting, we must be patient and keep the exciting memories of the Conservatory in our minds. I invite you to visit the Heritage section of the site to remember the brand's immense heritage, as well as the Citroën Origins site, a virtual museum that aims to be a real online encyclopaedia of the brand's history. As we look forward to better times, let us remember the Citroën Conservatory as a magical place where the past and the future meet, where each car tells a story, where each visitor is transported into a fascinating universe where audacity and innovation are the key words.