The Musée de l'Armée is currently involved in a global renovation and modernisation program, named ATHENA (2000-2009). Its goal is to better come up to the expectations of today's public, by offering a historical educational route, clear and structured, through modern museum rooms. ATHENA brings a chronological and uninterrupted view of France military history. In certain precise areas, this historical approach is completed by thematic spots; those are meant to bring out specific collections with a great historical, technical or artistic interest (artillery, emblems, regulation weapons, cavalry, historical figurines...).

The first phase of the program (ATHENA II) lead to the creation , in the Musée de l'Armée, of 2000m² dedicated to World War II, Général de Gaulle's actions, Free France and Fighting France, inaugurated by the President of the Republic on June 18th 2000. The other stages of the ATHENA program are successively dedicated to the restructuring of the Western and Eastern wings of the main courtyard in the Invalides, and to the organisation of thematic collections and communal spaces (reception areas, resting areas, library, workshops...).