Due to problems associate with the discovery of ground water in the foundations, which required almost four years of additional work, the reopening of the entire building (renamed the "Art Museum of Nantes") was postponed until 23 June 2017.

Compounding this today adds to this rich set of deposits of work of the Regional Contemporary Art Funds of the Loire and the Centre Pompidou.

The architectural eclecticism meets the triumph of architects at the Universal Exhibition of 1900 (inauguration year of the museum) and take their revenge on the engineers of the 1889.

In 2011, the museum was closed for a planned maximum period of 2 years to make major expansion work to increase its area to 17,000 m2, versus 11,400 m2, and to enclosed the chapel of the Oratory (serving as a place of temporary exhibitions for the museum) nearby, constructing new buildings according to the plans of the architect, British Stanton Williams, instead of commercial constructions.

This work includes: the expansion of 2,500 m2 for exhibition area (mainly dedicated to contemporary art), the development of an auditorium of 180 seats in the patio, improving access to the entire building, the glass roofs have been completely renovated, with the aim of using natural light; and the reception staff to more appropriate premises.

However, the discovery of significant water pipes at the construction site delayed progress, forcing architects to change their plans and adding an additional cost of 10 million euros.

[citation needed] Location: 47 ° 13 '10 "N 1 ° 32' 52" W Jules-Dupré course is a paved road that connects Georges Clemenceau St. to Gambetta St. along the west side of the museum.