who had a personal interest in history, decided in 1833 to repurpose the massive building for a non-residential use. His minister Marthe Camille Bachasson, Count of Montalivet was instrumental in the development of the museum project.

A number of new rooms and galleries were created by restructuring the palace's interior spaces and destroying a number of pre-existing apartments. The design was coordinated by architect , with assistance from Pierre Fontaine