Lascaux 4: Cave adapts to new technologies – Le Point

The International Centre for Montignac parietal art is preparing to host the first complete replica of the Lascaux cave, which will be installed in a building of 8500 m2 Lascaux designed to bring a new dimension, both scientific ., artistic and tourist

First Revolution, while Lascaux 2 is currently showing a facsimile of 80% of frescoes, Lascaux 4 reproduces 100% original cave, full-scale and in every detail: “Its dimensions, the relief of the ground, its slopes … everything is identical,” says David Lambert, following construction of the building for the departmental council of Dordogne.

A 3D movie

“Temperature of 15 ° C, humidity, odors,” the Lascaux twenty-first century will use all the modern techniques to immerse the visitor and make him relive “the same sensations” that the four teenagers who discovered cave in 1940, he adds. The beginning of the visit simulates outside the hill of Lascaux, to the barking of the dog that had found the éboulée opening of the cave.

Once inside, it is the total darkness and journey starts with a discreet lighting, which turns on and off the passage of tourists, guided by the explanations voluntarily minimum of a tablet. After thirty minutes, the visitor finds “fresh air” and a scenography of 700 m2 which puts into perspective the frescoes and a 3D movie, a room showing the links between rock art and contemporary art, etc.

A project of 57 million euros

“Since the discovery of the cave, Lascaux were shown: look how beautiful it is Even! Lascaux 2, explanations are limited … Here we touch on a higher level, to make people understand that Lascaux is in science, art history, prehistory, “notes Guillaume Colombo, director of center of operations for the company Semitour Périgord, which already manages Lascaux 2

One hundred and fifty meters long, 70 meters deep and 9 meters high. designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta – author Pavilion Museum September 11 in New York – the building, literally anchored in the hill of Lascaux, also allows “sanctuaries” the historical site that the flow of tourists and visiting Lascaux 2 vehicles ended up damaging

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“No trees were cut at the construction site! “Proudly announces David Lambert. The overall project cost is 57 million, funded primarily by the Department and the Region (16.6 million each), European Union (12 million) and the State (4 million).