In , Jean-Baptiste Boisot, abbot of Saint Vincent, left his collection of books, art, and other precious objects to the Benedictines of the city, under the condition that they be displayed for public use and viewing during pre-set days and hours. The collection was to remain under control of the city and the religious order. The assembled objects and works of art came from some of the prestigious collections belonging to Nicolas Perrenot of the Granvelle family and his son Antoine.
Both men were politicians, patrons, and collectors. Nicolas was the first advisor to Charles Quint. Beginning in , the newly public collections were augmented with new works and displayed in the covered market, a building created by the architect Pierre Marnotte — The art collections shared the space with the commercial activities of the market for some time.
In , the Archeological Museum was created and joined to the same space. A disciple of Le Corbusier, from to he built a structure of untreated concrete, composed of several ramps spiraling towards the heart of the building under the glass that covers the atrium. The ascending passageways draw the eye upward. In return, they asked that these works be featured most prominently in the museum. Reconstruction of the museum was now a priority.
He was also one of the few people to have deeply reflected on museums, and from he dreamed up the principle of museums which expand without limits. Unfortunately, Le Corbusier declined the offer because of previous engagements.
The city then decided to engage one of his disciples. The construction began in and was finished in The central part, composed entirely in an empty, square space, is technically independent from the old building, which was attached by footbridges. The chosen materials were untreated concrete for the walls and black ceramic for the floors.
