Visit of the gallery reconstructed on the surface in the company of former coal miners.
Seen from the outside, no one would imagine what this building hides inside. As at the bottom of the mine, the light is limited and we instinctively look for a switch. As soon as one passes the first angle of this U-shaped roadway, one is struck by these enormous machines in front of one, the hydraulic cylinders of the walking face, which were used to support the roof of the mine.
Now to project you in this special atmosphere of the mine, three televisions offer videos explaining this technique of work specific to the mines of Gardanne, closed in 2003. A video projector shows the “moving plane” as the plane’s noise causes it to plug its ears. A smoke machine provides the extra atmosphere with the “dust” that lowers the already tenuous light a little more… we are at the bottom of the mine!
The museum’s regulars are already familiar with this gallery, it is true. However, no one has ever visited it so “black”, so dark. Because it took more than a year to plug all the spaces between the sheets!
This gallery can only be visited at major events. Don’t miss the opportunity!
The Saturday morning visits will be followed by a big official inauguration, dedicated to all the new spaces of the museum, and the motorhome area nearby. Reception with concert and lunch between 11:30 and 14:00 (Saturdays only).