Alise-Sainte-Reine

The MuseoParc Alesia was opened in 2012 in the Burgundian municipality of Alise-Sainte-Reine. This is where the siege of Alesia took place in 52 BC, where Vercingetorix and Caesar clashed in war.
Since its creation, the historical site, owned by the Conseil Departemental of Côte-d'Or, has redesigned its entire exhibition and now offers a new museographic tour. Archaeology has been added to the emblematic rotunda designed by architect Bernard Tschumi to show the evolution of the area from prehistory to the present day. In the context of the siege of Alesia and the confrontation between the Gallic troops and the Roman army, we discover the existence of the Mandubians, a Gallic people who had settled in the region long before 52 BC and who became known thanks to research carried out in recent years.
After the siege of Alesia, the oppidum became a Gallo-Roman city in the first century AD. Today, the remains of this city can be visited in the form of a theatre, a temple, a public square and a residential area. Thanks to a 3D animation, visitors can immerse themselves in the heart of the ancient city. During excavations in the 20th century, numerous archaeological finds from this period were discovered and are now on display. The museum's 1,100 square metres contain more than 600 pieces of everyday life.
In order to arouse interest in the archaeological collections of Alesia among a broad public, the museum has carried out an innovative cultural mediation. Following the example of current scenographies, the MuseoParc integrates digital possibilities and modern technologies in its work: busts of Caesar, Vercingetorix and Napoleon III that directly address the visitors, showcases that become projection screens to explain the objects on display, shadow puppets that illustrate daily life on both sides of the collections, games where you can learn how to shoot a scorpion, how a Roman or Gallic soldier trains, you can also test your knowledge. In addition to the classic devices, there are also models, touch screens with documentations, playful manipulations and objects to touch. The aim is to have a good time with family or friends and learn something at the same time.
The MuséoParc Alésia sees itself as a cultural institution in a rural area. As the new permanent exhibition shows, it wants to overcome borders, connect different arts and arouse curiosity. The inclusion of a work by Robert Schad is thus a welcome opportunity to confront a historical site with contemporary creation and to establish a dialogue between the two poles. This is clearly the mission of the MuséoParc Alésia, to the delight of young and old alike.

Michel Rouger
General Director of the MuseoParc Alésia
www.alesia.com