The Museum of Art and Archaeology, known for its exceptional collections of sculptures from the monastic town and the abbey of Cluny, also houses a wide range of collections in its reserves (archaeology, numismatics, natural sciences, decorative arts, fine arts, etc.).

In 2019, when the paintings (from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 20th century) were being inventoried, the museum team noted the very worrying state of conservation of the works. The town of Cluny, which owned the collections, and the Centre des Monuments Nationaux then embarked on a multi-year programme to restore the paintings, with the support of the Direction Régionale des Affaires Culturelles de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and the Friends of the Museum (AMAAC).

In all likelihood, the lining, the patching of tears and the repainting visible on some of the paintings predate their entry into the museum in the third third of the 19th century. No fundamental restoration work has been carried out on the collection since then. The difficult conservation conditions in the storerooms have accelerated the deterioration process. Many canvases have been separated from their frames to make them easier to store, resulting in a physical division of the works, less resistance to impact, which has led to tears and brittle edges, as well as a loss of information. The wooden frames and gilded stuccowork have also deteriorated.

The first works to be restored are emblematic of the museum's collection. They are now on display in this room.