Located close to the city centre, the lighthouse dominates the port and offers stunning views of the sea, the city and the hinterland of Flanders. It is the most northerly lighthouse in France, it culminates in total at more than 66 meters above the sea. To reach its summit, you have to climb 276 steps. Its lantern, equipped with a Fresnel lens, has a range of just over 50 km.
The Dunkirk lighthouse was erected in 1842 on the ruins of Fort Risban, which was one of the fortifications built by Vauban at the end of the 17th century. Seriously damaged during the Second World War, the lighthouse received major repairs in 1946. It was automated in 1985. It underwent a first restoration in 1992 and was declared a Historic Monument in November 2010.
Work was carried out in 2012 to improve the conditions of visit and to offer to the public a space of reception and awareness on the theme of the marine signage. This work carried out by the museum was carried out with the support of the European Union within the framework of the HMS project (INTERREG IV A programme of the 2 Seas) and the Nord-Pas de Calais Region.
AN EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO LIGHTHOUSES AND BEACONS
Based on the history of the Dunkerque lighthouse, the theme of the maritime signage, the markings and the men who take charge of them is discussed.
Technical aspects and technological advances are an integral part of the project.
The speech also focuses on the future of these marine establishments in a contemporary perspective while leaving a large part to the imagination of lighthouses.
The Subdivision des Phares et Balises de Dunkerque collaborated on the development of these exhibition spaces, which offer the storage of numerous collectibles.